Users to the Rescue: Microsoft Listening to Consumer FB..

Back in 2012 when Microsoft introduced the new Windows 8 modern operating system, Redmond expected not only to see the majority of users running older platforms to migrate to the new release, but also to lend a hand to the collapsing PC industry and restore the declining sales.

Read more here:Users to the Rescue: Microsoft Listening to Consumer Feedback to Fix Windows

 

[mdmd]

I have said this before but will say it again

That's ok. I've been repeating the same thing for 2 years. It's tiring.

... But the Desktop is essential.

Yes. Of course.

Problem is, one cannot get into a discussion about code trends as it is too complicated for the vast majority.

Windows NT must be replaced with a better, more secure, less error prone, less vulnerable kernel.
And single screen coding will be eliminated at some point.
Of course any change must be better than what exists today.

 

[musiclover7]

Bringing back the start menu is a smart move, as is enhancing the functionality of the start screen. I just hope they do not nix the best way I have found to use Windows 8 so far, which is a combo of both via 3rd party apps. More choices please, not less! More choice!

 

[insane014]

Are people still crying over useless start menu?

 

[insane014]

I have said this before but will say it again

That's ok. I've been repeating the same thing for 2 years. It's tiring.

... But the Desktop is essential.

Yes. Of course.

Problem is, one cannot get into a discussion about code trends as it is too complicated for the vast majority.

Windows NT must be replaced with a better, more secure, less error prone, less vulnerable kernel.
And single screen coding will be eliminated at some point.
Of course any change must be better than what exists today.

That will never happen. MS is all about backward compatibility and there is no way in hell they will make a cut like Apple does. Unfortunately.

 

[labeeman]

Are people still crying over useless start menu?

Nope people are just not buying Windows 8.x without it.

 

[David Bailey]

The article has a comment box.

I used it to give my opinion about the situation.

By commenting, & other people commenting, maybe improvements will be made if Microsoft listens.
Hopefully somebody at Microsoft will be reading my & others' comments.

I won't hold my breath waiting though.

At least I gave it a try.

 

[Tepid]

Something that I had forgot about completely.

Keep in mind that the App Store Concept started with Windows Vista Ultimate (Ultimate Extras)
The App Store is basically what Ultimate Extras was supposed to have turned into.
The idea was abandoned in Win7, probably in preparation for Win8.

Metro was not a well conceived/implemented idea in whole
But is in parts.

Again, the desktop should still be the focal point though.

Just wish they would have focused more on the apps being more of a store front (like Ultimate Extras)
Or some of the concept start menus I have seen out there based off the Metro design with Live tiles and such.

IMO, Metro is not bad,, People are lost on Metro cause they don't know how to take it in and use it efficiently.
And yes, it is possible to use it efficiently, cause it is actually more efficient than the old Start Menu.
It just needs to be condensed back down to a start menu style GUI.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Are people still crying over useless start menu?

No, they are crying that it was replaced with Metro.

 

[jimmy1one]

I don't post often but in this case I want to hollow just a shout at you guys. Most of you are experienced users. Win 8 is just another OS period end of story. Windows has always been hobbled by legacy programs we all know this is true. Backwards compatibility is the first requirement you ask for no you demand. Business needs legacy, innovate well hell no I know windows. Well you can't have it both ways somethings have to change like your attitudes towards change
No other OS carries this burden and change is not possible without giving up some of what you had and moving forward . We all learned to use Android phones, IPhones and hopefully some of you made the move to Windows Phone. There was no hue and cry in previous instances but take away the Start Menu and you wet yourselves complaining. The problem is not that Metro is different it's that you expect to know how the OS works the second you dl'ed it. How dare they make changes even if the underlying technology is far, far Superior,has a smaller footprint and is more secure it looks difference. Who cares if it's more stable more reliable and faster you don't approve because you now have to learn a new OS shame on them Eventually they are going to have to cut the cord tablets and phones are taking the place of towers for some. Some of these devices are throw away devices never meant to last more than contract period used for the purchase. Yet some of you who complain loudest want to run the full office suite on your phones plus Photoshop
The mistake is trying to please everyone they should've stuck to their guns modified the Metro use of the desktop and pushed forward. You should not be forced back to the desktop when running a Metro app. A Metro app should not have to be full screen by default. You should have been able to run multiple Metro apps and they should've implemented it that way from jump street.

 

[Mustang]

Yesterday a friend of mind brought her tower over for me to repair, and said she was going to upgrade and change to a laptop. She also asked if I knew any way to buy a new laptop with Windows 7 on it? She added that if she can't she will just buy a Mac lappy to sync with her iPhone.

Regardless of who's right or wrong, or who prefers what ... bottom line is the market place has spoken and Win 8x is dead in the water!

 

[justmetoday]

Why do Windows 8 enthusiasts hate prior versions?

What I find interesting about avid Windows 8 enthusiasts is that they describe the desktop interface, with almost an utter disgust. I mean they act like Windows 7 and prior versions should be banished from the face of the earth. If they hated these prior versions so much, why did they even use them?

I think Windows 8 is clumsy to use unless you have a touch screen, hence the usefulness of the desktop interface.

I also believe Windows 8 biggest problem is still it's lack of useful apps. I saw the current MS offering for the Surface tablet (only $449 US, RT I presume), came with Office tools, and 200GB of cloud storage, BUT, I still thought to myself I want an iPad because it will have apps I can really use and with built in 3/4G I can use it almost anywhere.

 

[EMINENT]

What I find interesting about avid Windows 8 enthusiasts is that they describe the desktop interface, with almost an utter disgust. I mean they act like Windows 7 and prior versions should be banished from the face of the earth. If they hated these prior versions so much, why did they even use them?

I think Windows 8 is clumsy to use unless you have a touch screen, hence the usefulness of the desktop interface.

I also believe Windows 8 biggest problem is still it's lack of useful apps. I saw the current MS offering for the Surface tablet (only $449 US, RT I presume), came with Office tools, and 200GB of cloud storage, BUT, I still thought to myself I want an iPad because it will have apps I can really use and with built in 3/4G I can use it almost anywhere.

Maybe they hate prior versions because they want that flexibility and backwards compatibility. They want the desktop and MUI. They want to touch their 8 or 10 inch tablets that run FULL Windows if they wanted. They want to do more than one thing at a time. Maybe this is why they have no love for an os stuck in the 2010's with poor support for touch and want more usability.

They want this all for less than $500. Factor that in with what I like to do and you can see why I don't have any use for an ipad. I have mobile hotspot on my phone and I don't have to pay $10+/mo. for 3/4G data meaning I saved $120/yr.

I've posted this before so let me direct you straight to the Apple store. This is definitely not what you want or need.

By all means... go ahead and factor out a Windows 8x tablet.

While you're at it, take a look at the post from a recent hardcore Android user that just got a 1520, coupled with this little excerpt from the recent Windows Phone 8.1 SDK leak, and you just have to wonder why anyone would want to have all apps from one ecosystem working across phone, tablet, and pc.

Upcoming Windows Universal Store Apps Detailed | WMPoweruser

Upcoming Windows Universal Store Apps Detailed

February 12, 2014 Pradeep 8 Comments

Yesterday, we reported that Universal apps are coming with Windows Phone 8.1 that will allow developers to target the apps both for tablets and mobile devices. A leaked slide of Windows Phone blue details the Universal Store apps.
Developers will be able to create one Visual Studio ‘Shared Solution template for their apps. You can have two Visual Studio UI projects for your single code base, one for Windows Phone UI and another for Windows UI. You can have two different AppX packages to submit to Store targeting Windows Phone and Windows. Microsoft also claims that developers can have shared dev and test tooling for both the platforms.
I’m sure developers will be excited to hear this news! If you are a developer, share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. Find the slide about converged UI controls after the break.
via: RomanL

I can't believe they took out the old start menu! What am I going to do now on my tablet?

 

[Xyberbat]

Poor Microsoft

They can never satisfy all the users all the time.
(NOBODY can)

In my humble opinion, the only mistake with Win 8 was that it tried to do 'all in 1'.

What I think should have worked better, was Win. 8 with Metro (Modern UI) for those with touchscreens and mobiles, AND "Win. 9" for those with desktop/office equipment only.

I personally like Win 8.1 modified with Classic Shell, and never use the modern UI. But my needs are different to most other people.

We shall see what the future holds.

 

[jimmy1one]

Don't get me wrong opinions are like attitudes every has one My problem is people will not take the time to look at what's in front of them let alone even try to see what's there. She can get a windows laptop running windows 8 and never ever use a Metro app. Add 2 seconds to show her the Charm to power on and off and you have a happy camper. But no, Win Users are like engineers to service techs we hate to see them coming they know it all then freeze at the first issue they're not ready to address. Enough said about the people who just regurgitate what they read or here on the net. The truth is out there just don't expect it to find you on the internet. You have to do your home work and users don't like work period when they can repeat what someone told them.

As for those who think the Metro interface is dead not so much, dream on it is too deeply embedded into the OS. You're going to get boot to Desktop on non touch systems and some form of of a Start Menu but that's about all. Win 8 upgrades and Win 9 are going to be Touch Centric a chicken can't walk on one leg and MS is not going hobble the OS further with foolish suggestions to go back to the Desktop Interface
What's funny is this is most impressive improvement in the OS since XP and people are too busy hating on Metro apps to recognize it. MS could have mitigated a lot of this with simply allowing Metro apps to be sized on desktop units, who wants a 32 inch Twitter app. That was dumb and rather they address it properly or not it's still just stupid. Hey what do you expect we're talking MS it always takes them 3 times to get it right peace bro just and opinion

 

[jimmy1one]

What I find interesting about avid Windows 8 enthusiasts is that they describe the desktop interface, with almost an utter disgust. I mean they act like Windows 7 and prior versions should be banished from the face of the earth. If they hated these prior versions so much, why did they even use them?

I think Windows 8 is clumsy to use unless you have a touch screen, hence the usefulness of the desktop interface.

I also believe Windows 8 biggest problem is still it's lack of useful apps. I saw the current MS offering for the Surface tablet (only $449 US, RT I presume), came with Office tools, and 200GB of cloud storage, BUT, I still thought to myself I want an iPad because it will have apps I can really use and with built in 3/4G I can use it almost anywhere.

Well the part about 200 GB of free storage is false. I have the Lumia 2520 and LTE on ATT the last I checked it was faster than 3/4G I purchased mine at the Microsoft Store without a contract. But to be fair I have issue with the lack of a couple of apps, the micro html connection and the usb 3 dongle required. The Bing apps are simply outstanding but there's no GPS navigation App even though there's GPS sensor built into the device. Nokia has Here Drive + but it was not ported to the 2520. Here Maps is and it's a beautiful app but it's not a GPS Navigation app period for RT. There is also no meaning zero Battery application apps available period it's just plain insulting why? I was always told you work to accentuate your strength and minimize your weaknesses. Either they're just stupid or they didn't have time neither is acceptable BTW there's a price difference depending on the storage I added 64 GB for 46 bucks I believe I can hang with you on storage, speed and general applications and raise you a few just my opinion bro peace

 

[youravinalarrrf]

Are people still crying over useless start menu?

Nope people are just not buying Windows 8.x without it.

Never a truer word was spoken and now we are apparently having to wait until Windows 9 for the return of a meaningful start menu has firmly put the nail in the coffin of Windows 8/8.1 and proves Microsoft has just not listened hard enough to those that matter and is now dragging it's feet on the issue.

As a desktop user I have no problem with Metro (it just gets ignored) but I do have a problem with the half assed start menu we have got at the moment and so simple to fix in the release of 8.1.1 you would think. Stubborness and stupidity will eventually kill Microsoft if the colour blind idiots who are allowed choose their colour schemes don't do it first.

 

[EMINENT]

Well the part about 200 GB of free storage is false.

How is that false about the 200gb? I have it and i'm using it right now. Only for Surface 2 or Pro 2 purchasers. As a matter of fact, I have 50gb just in music that I have at my disposal at any time I want to stream my Skymusic app on my phone or Xbox Music.

 

[justmetoday]

What I find interesting about avid Windows 8 enthusiasts is that they describe the desktop interface, with almost an utter disgust. I mean they act like Windows 7 and prior versions should be banished from the face of the earth. If they hated these prior versions so much, why did they even use them?

I think Windows 8 is clumsy to use unless you have a touch screen, hence the usefulness of the desktop interface.

I also believe Windows 8 biggest problem is still it's lack of useful apps. I saw the current MS offering for the Surface tablet (only $449 US, RT I presume), came with Office tools, and 200GB of cloud storage, BUT, I still thought to myself I want an iPad because it will have apps I can really use and with built in 3/4G I can use it almost anywhere.

Well the part about 200 GB of free storage is false. I have the Lumia 2520 and LTE on ATT the last I checked it was faster than 3/4G I purchased mine at the Microsoft Store without a contract. But to be fair I have issue with the lack of a couple of apps, the micro html connection and the usb 3 dongle required. The Bing apps are simply outstanding but there's no GPS navigation App even though there's GPS sensor built into the device. Nokia has Here Drive + but it was not ported to the 2520. Here Maps is and it's a beautiful app but it's not a GPS Navigation app period for RT. There is also no meaning zero Battery application apps available period it's just plain insulting why? I was always told you work to accentuate your strength and minimize your weaknesses. Either they're just stupid or they didn't have time neither is acceptable BTW there's a price difference depending on the storage I added 64 GB for 46 bucks I believe I can hang with you on storage, speed and general applications and raise you a few just my opinion bro peace

The 200gigs of Cloud storage was part of the offering, it was a TV add, maybe I misunderstood it, it was the only reason I brought it up.

I thought LTE was only in limited places, that is why the 3G and 4G were appealing to me, plus I am not crazy about piggy backing onto my phone, unless I misunderstand that also. My roomies are iPhone addicts, they are always on me to get an iPhone, I have to admit they are a great product.

I don't hate Windows 8, but listening to some of the Win 8 people, they act like I should be ashamed because I like my Windows 7, which I am not. I think Windows 7 is an excellent product. I almost don't even want a windows 8 system, because they (pro win8er's) are so hateful towards win7, or at least so it seems.

 

[SIW2]

There are a few who need others to justify their choices. Some are offended by win7 users.

Sad, but there is nothing you can do to help them, only a shrink could do that.

I don't hate Windows 8, but listening to some of the Win 8 people, they act like I should be ashamed because I like my Windows 7, which I am not. I think Windows 7 is an excellent product. I almost don't even want a windows 8 system, because they (pro win8er's) are so hateful towards win7, or at least so it seems.

 

[EMINENT]

What I find interesting about avid Windows 8 enthusiasts is that they describe the desktop interface, with almost an utter disgust. I mean they act like Windows 7 and prior versions should be banished from the face of the earth. If they hated these prior versions so much, why did they even use them?

I think Windows 8 is clumsy to use unless you have a touch screen, hence the usefulness of the desktop interface.

I also believe Windows 8 biggest problem is still it's lack of useful apps. I saw the current MS offering for the Surface tablet (only $449 US, RT I presume), came with Office tools, and 200GB of cloud storage, BUT, I still thought to myself I want an iPad because it will have apps I can really use and with built in 3/4G I can use it almost anywhere.

Well the part about 200 GB of free storage is false. I have the Lumia 2520 and LTE on ATT the last I checked it was faster than 3/4G I purchased mine at the Microsoft Store without a contract. But to be fair I have issue with the lack of a couple of apps, the micro html connection and the usb 3 dongle required. The Bing apps are simply outstanding but there's no GPS navigation App even though there's GPS sensor built into the device. Nokia has Here Drive + but it was not ported to the 2520. Here Maps is and it's a beautiful app but it's not a GPS Navigation app period for RT. There is also no meaning zero Battery application apps available period it's just plain insulting why? I was always told you work to accentuate your strength and minimize your weaknesses. Either they're just stupid or they didn't have time neither is acceptable BTW there's a price difference depending on the storage I added 64 GB for 46 bucks I believe I can hang with you on storage, speed and general applications and raise you a few just my opinion bro peace

The 200gigs of Cloud storage was part of the offering, it was a TV add, maybe I misunderstood it, it was the only reason I brought it up.

I thought LTE was only in limited places, that is why the 3G and 4G were appealing to me, plus I am not crazy about piggy backing onto my phone, unless I misunderstand that also. My roomies are iPhone addicts, they are always on me to get an iPhone, I have to admit they are a great product.

I don't hate Windows 8, but listening to some of the Win 8 people, they act like I should be ashamed because I like my Windows 7, which I am not. I think Windows 7 is an excellent product. I almost don't even want a windows 8 system, because they (pro win8er's) are so hateful towards win7, or at least so it seems.

Lol! It's actually the other way around. Go into any number of threads and read from any number of h8ters constantly complaining about change.

So, no. No one cares you like 7. This is an 8 board. Correct? W7 IS a great product. It's just not the product MS needs right now. They're trying to promote a progressive step towards convergence. Going against that puts that vision and MS a step back. But to bash 8 because it has added features is worse. No one is angry that you're stuck on 7. You're mistaking their confusion of why you'd want to be with your own reserve.