Why the coming beta is likely to be labeled the 'consumer preview'

Yes, that's curious.

Perhaps it is so they can change it again if it meets fierce criticism - then release another ( changed ) version which they can call the beta.

If there isn't too much violent objection - then they can say - well that was the beta all along - just under a different name.

They must be pretty worried about it.

Beta or CP i'll be getting that

The Developer preview has been created just for software developers. The "Beta" contains Less bugs, and more features for the consumer, in DP only the metro style app GUI is complete enough to start developing software. The Fun starts from the consumer preview.

They are leaving more wiggle room to add UI changes if the masses really start an uproar.

Will be interesting.

Cant wait a few more days

Dave76 said:

They are leaving more wiggle room to add UI changes if the masses really start an uproar.

Will be interesting.

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And there will be uproar. Question is whether it will help. They may be too late in the cycle to make any significant changes.

They might had done that because beta sounds too, techy for most people. Even Developer Preview daunts some. A Consumer Preview is a preview for consumers. That branding sounds more like it's targeted for everyone else who wants to test it, not just developers, testers, or enthusiasts.

They are definitely headed for the less technically inclined crowd. They know little about systems and spend money more easily. These future devices will be marketed at McDo as part of the happy meals.

A Guy said:

Summary: The coming Windows 8 beta is looking more and more like it will be called the “consumer preview.” Why the change in nomenclature?

Is Microsoft going to position the coming Windows 8 beta as a “consumer preview”? And if so, why?

Microsoft officials have repeated recently that the Windows 8 beta release is on track for late February 2012. But one public relations official with the Windows team provided a slightly different message — and one that escaped notice by most of those who read her quote — during the Consumer Electronics Show.

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Source

A Guy

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A "consumer preview" means essentially that MS would not be looking for any input from users. Assuming that millions would download this package, MS would only be looking for bugs, not suggestions. A true beta would go to persons whose technical expertise is respected by the company. In this preview, there would be hundreds of thousands of opinions, just too many for any company to make sense of. This is a marketing exercise, a way to get noticed and create excitement for Win8.

For all those here who disagree with the course MS is taking: Your opinion does not count. Microsoft knows your opinion and does not care. The company has already decided that it would not get much income from upgraders and that this is just fine. Win7 was the only OS for which MS got any measurable revenue from upgrades and it can do without it. If you are going to buy a new computer, it would come with Win8 or you can downgrade to Win7, the same sum of money to Microsoft. So, uproar or no uproar from current users is not important. MS is after the mobile market and it is willing to antagonize the desktop for a few years to gain a foothold in the mobile market.

The question is if MS would actually gain any foothold in the mobile market (tablets and phones). With heavy marketing, it may. But it would go against iOS 6.0 (with unknown enhancements over iOS 5.0) and against Android 4.0 and Android 5.0. Android 4.0 can run various apps in windows when implemented in tablets, a feat that Win8 cannot master (not yet, anyway). So, this would be interesting to see.

The question for you (and Microsoft) is: if you are going to buy a tablet, would you choose an Android 4/5 one, an iPad (likely 3.0) or a Win8 one? If MS thinks that it has sold you on Win8 for tablets, then the company would be very happy.

Many people think that MS are on the wrong track here. They are not looking to perfect technology but to maximize profits. Since Windows 7 is a big hit and still selling licenses today, they are not that worried if this Windows 8 does not make it big.

I seriously think, there would be no major change on the Beta from what we've seen on the WDP.

Vertex said:

I seriously think, there would be no major change on the Beta from what we've seen on the WDP.

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That is what I thought this far, MS just like to make another kick to be seen as keeping on developing OS (in fact Win 7 already has it all... )

I seriously think, there would be no major change on the Beta from what we've seen on the WDP.

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I hope that they put more useful metro apps in the next build.

vrosa said:

I seriously think, there would be no major change on the Beta from what we've seen on the WDP.

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I hope that they put more useful metro apps in the next build.

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..... and leave the start menu available/accessible somewhere in it. Not picking it from teens of crowded "Icons"

I can't wait to see the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. It will definitely be interesting to see how Microsoft has improved usability with the conventional keyboard and mouse.

Because I never downloaded the Pre-Beta yet(and won't) I will sit back and see how everyone here likes the
Beta(due out in Feb).
Guess I am at the age of not chasing much of anything these days or adding to MS bottom line.
I will chase the golf ball when time permits.
Keep me posted Eight Members!
THW

It doesn't matter what its called, just how it works.

Or, Consumer Preview is just a change in branding of builds. Windows 8 won't have a thing called Control Panel, it'll be PC Settings. Now, why is that?

Vertex said:

Many people think that MS are on the wrong track here. They are not looking to perfect technology but to maximize profits. Since Windows 7 is a big hit and still selling licenses today, they are not that worried if this Windows 8 does not make it big.

I seriously think, there would be no major change on the Beta from what we've seen on the WDP.

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I don't know the numbers, but I think that the majority of copies of Windows are sold with new PCs. If Microsoft follows their past practices, they'll cut deals with the PC manufacturers to include Windows 8. It's not clear to me that would increase Microsoft's bottom line directly; would they get a higher price for Windows 8 than for an older version?

If people hate Windows 8, it would have a negative impact on the whole Windows PC market.

If MS has to rely on the new PC sales, they will go broke. The OEMs get the OS for pennies. Only with the retail editions can they make money. I once read that one of their biggest revenue contributer are the office products.