Windows Blue: Microsoft’s Apple-style OS Strategy

Like it or not, Microsoft Windows is the most-used operating system in the world. From international banks to suburban residences, the Windows platform has propelled the PC industry for years. Yes, there’s been the threat from Apple (Cupertino really scored big with the Vista debacle and the triumph of OS X Leopard). But one thing has remained at Microsoft: the Windows life cycle.

Read more: Windows Blue: Microsoft's Apple-style OS Strategy
 
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Huh, there is this line "The one caveat: you’ll need a genuine copy of Windows 8 installed in order to upgrade to Blue. If not, then built-in apps and the Windows Store will cease to function." in the article.

Tantalisingly that sounds like if you install Blue by itself you get Windows 8 without any of the Metro... stuff. :D

Oh if only. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
I have to say, the article sounded a tad apple fanboy. The triumph of mac os over vista? Yeah, I guess the 500 million Windows 7 licenses sold and used on vista era PCs as well as new PCs are just a drop in the bucket of mac users... :rolleyes:

This is iffy but also at the same time familiar. Windows Phone 7 had the VERY same thing happen to it. It was released as a decent product, DEFINTELY needed improvements but was a great platform nonetheless. A year or so later, the Windows Phone 7.5 update was released that brought a LOT of UI changes and improvements to it. Now, it's going towards 7.8, which will offer more UIs enhancements and features, all free of cost. Then it has gone to Windows Phone 8...

But even though Windows Phone 7.5 a major update, it was still titled Windows Phone 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I have to say, the article sounded a tad apple fanboy. The triumph of mac os over vista? Yeah, I guess the 500 million Windows 7 licenses sold and used on vista era PCs as well as new PCs are just a drop in the bucket of mac users... :rolleyes:
Well, keep in mind that businesses with enterprise agreements are lumped into those numbers as licenses sold...even if they are never used. My company has 300 licenses for Windows 7 and Office 2010. But I'd bet we haven't actually installed more than 150 copies of each.

Before OSX...Apple didn't have that much appeal. However, lots of people use and aspire to own an Apple product today. Regardless of their limited marketshare, there is no denying they have an appeal factor for many that simply didn't exist previously.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I have to say, the article sounded a tad apple fanboy. The triumph of mac os over vista? Yeah, I guess the 500 million Windows 7 licenses sold and used on vista era PCs as well as new PCs are just a drop in the bucket of mac users... :rolleyes:
Well, keep in mind that businesses with enterprise agreements are lumped into those numbers as licenses sold...even if they are never used. My company has 300 licenses for Windows 7 and Office 2010. But I'd bet we haven't actually installed more than 150 copies of each.

Before OSX...Apple didn't have that much appeal. However, lots of people use and aspire to own an Apple product today. Regardless of their limited marketshare, there is no denying they have an appeal factor for many that simply didn't exist previously.

I think there is a stat out there that says that 625 million PCs are currently RUNNING Windows 7. In a video from UX Week 2012, the lead UX manager from Microsoft said that 500 million licenses were sold, some have been pirated.

Even still, mac os is a drop in the bucket without the array of software Windows has, without the wide swath of people knowledgeable about Windows, without a good price range from 300 dollars and up, without touch (for people that care and want touch on PCs), and without an updated or customizable UI. I'm sorry, but I'm not a silver/grey/white fan. If I can't have red and black, I will be upset.

Among other things....

Personally, I will say the mac hardware is pretty decent, build quality is superb. THAT you really do pay for, but not to that extreme. Honestly I think Windows 8 would pair a LOT more better on a mac than mac os itself. Why? The modern minimalist style of Windows 8 is a better compliment to the modern minimalist styling of apple hardware. Leather stitching, paper tear outs, metal, and shiny reflections is a real paradox to have on something that the most design flair is the apple logo....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Hang on, is this not another way of saying Windows 8 isn't the finished article (and never will be! Just like XP was never finished), but will consistently require updates (about a year apart). But the difference is, that M$ would like you to pay for said updates instead of getting them for free.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    Intel i3 2320
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-V LX
    Memory
    8GB CRUCIAL BALLISTIX
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ATI RADEON HD 6770
The article is right if they had made vista a much better product that didn't feel half-finished they wouldn't have lost some of that marketshare. However small it is, it is still crucial that they always stay on top of their game. Windows 7 was a much more polished product. However it arrived on the scene much later than it should have. Apple has an appeal where their products look nice and work well. Microsoft does not have that full control over their products. Although now they have realized this and have come up with their own product to show off their software such as the surface. For example at the same price same specs your HP is touchscreen looks much less polished and in my opinion uglier than an iMac. Yes it doesn't have touchscreen but even if you compare the all in ones, the windows counterpart looks lacking in appeal. I just want to see them release new product be it in the form of a service pack or another release more frequently I mean 2-3 years is nice but nothing like from xp to vista.
 

My Computer

Hang on, is this not another way of saying Windows 8 isn't the finished article (and never will be! Just like XP was never finished), but will consistently require updates (about a year apart). But the difference is, that M$ would like you to pay for said updates instead of getting them for free.

No piece of software is ever 100% complete in that there are never any ways to improve it or any bugs to address.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Server 2012 Standard w/Hyper-V
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ProBook 4430s
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2310M
    Memory
    16GB DDR3
    Hard Drives
    80GB Intel 320 SSD
    500GB Samsung Momentus
If Microsoft is turning their attention away from software then, they really should do it this way:

Buy windows 8.
Get free upgrade for windows Blue.
Buy Windows Blue
get free upgrade for windows XXXX

I predict that apple will eventually give out free updates of their software since so many people buy the apps they more than make up for it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Build 9200 with WMC
Hang on, is this not another way of saying Windows 8 isn't the finished article (and never will be! Just like XP was never finished), but will consistently require updates (about a year apart). But the difference is, that M$ would like you to pay for said updates instead of getting them for free.
The Windows Blue update is said to be a free update. It's also like how Windows Phone 7 users got the 7.5 update for free, and will get 7.8 for free as well as other features, again for free.

apple is no different, every 10.x update, it's usually 20 dollars. An upgrade from mac os 8 to 9, was about over 300 dollars.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Hang on, is this not another way of saying Windows 8 isn't the finished article (and never will be! Just like XP was never finished), but will consistently require updates (about a year apart). But the difference is, that M$ would like you to pay for said updates instead of getting them for free.
The Windows Blue update is said to be a free update. It's also like how Windows Phone 7 users got the 7.5 update for free, and will get 7.8 for free as well as other features, again for free.

apple is no different, every 10.x update, it's usually 20 dollars. An upgrade from mac os 8 to 9, was about over 300 dollars.
So, it's just like I said then. Look, M$ aren't fooling anyone; their model is just the same as it's always been.. sell a multitude of units and reap the benefits from them until another big change is on the horizon. But if the change on the horizon isn't a big one then call it an update and make the people using it think that they've got a good deal out of it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    Intel i3 2320
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-V LX
    Memory
    8GB CRUCIAL BALLISTIX
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ATI RADEON HD 6770
Hang on, is this not another way of saying Windows 8 isn't the finished article (and never will be! Just like XP was never finished), but will consistently require updates (about a year apart). But the difference is, that M$ would like you to pay for said updates instead of getting them for free.
The Windows Blue update is said to be a free update. It's also like how Windows Phone 7 users got the 7.5 update for free, and will get 7.8 for free as well as other features, again for free.

apple is no different, every 10.x update, it's usually 20 dollars. An upgrade from mac os 8 to 9, was about over 300 dollars.
So, it's just like I said then. Look, M$ aren't fooling anyone; their model is just the same as it's always been.. sell a multitude of units and reap the benefits from them until another big change is on the horizon. But if the change on the horizon isn't a big one then call it an update and make the people using it think that they've got a good deal out of it.
Like a free service pack?

Last I've checked, Microsoft doesn't release updates like that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
ImageRocket.net - 1356820036_Untitled.jpg

How legit is this?

EDIT: Source was here but they removed that screenshot. In this article you can see another screenshot with build 9220 in it and kernel version 6.2 .
Another visual difference is Windows logo color and window border. On my Windows 8 borders are thicker. It is possible that borders were altered via registry but who knows :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    E5300 @ 3.9 GHz
    Motherboard
    P31 - DS3L
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 800MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD4850 512MB
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 943NW
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 7200.10 250GB
    PSU
    Fortron 350W
    Case
    Linkworld... something
    Cooling
    Arctic Freezer 7
    Keyboard
    Logitech 250 Deluxe
    Mouse
    Logitech SBF 90
    Internet Speed
    4Mbps/512Kbps
    Other Info
    Laptop - Lenovo Z575
    CPU: A6-3400M overclocked to 2.2
    GPU: 6520g + 6650m
    RAM: 8GB DDR3 1333MHz
    OS: Windows 8 Pro x64
    HDD: WD RE3 Enterprise 750GB
ImageRocket.net - 1356820036_Untitled.jpg

How legit is this?

EDIT: Source was here but they removed that screenshot. In this article you can see another screenshot with build 9220 in it and kernel version 6.2 .
Another visual difference is Windows logo color and window border. On my Windows 8 borders are thicker. It is possible that borders were altered via registry but who knows :)

The 6.3 doesn't seem logic. Fake I guess.
The other one in Chinese (6.2) is more real but ATM not sure if real.
For me, the numbers seem to high and it's too early.

They took them from 6.1.7600 to 6.1.7601 for sp1 in Windows 7
So the 6.3 is more like a Windows 9 than a sp1 (blue).

So 6.2.9220 sounds more real but still: it's a huge difference. In Win7 terms it's like sp20.
Is there so much to fix? Man! than it's serious. :shock:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Did we at least know if Blue will be an update or a new OS ? As I already said, Windows 8 is supposed to be the last Microsoft OS name Windows.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
ImageRocket.net - 1356820036_Untitled.jpg

How legit is this?

EDIT: Source was here but they removed that screenshot. In this article you can see another screenshot with build 9220 in it and kernel version 6.2 .
Another visual difference is Windows logo color and window border. On my Windows 8 borders are thicker. It is possible that borders were altered via registry but who knows :)

The 6.3 doesn't seem logic. Fake I guess.
The other one in Chinese (6.2) is more real but ATM not sure if real.
For me, the numbers seem to high and it's too early.

They took them from 6.1.7600 to 6.1.7601 for sp1 in Windows 7
So the 6.3 is more like a Windows 9 than a sp1 (blue).

So 6.2.9220 sounds more real but still: it's a huge difference. In Win7 terms it's like sp20.
Is there so much to fix? Man! than it's serious. :shock:

Windows 8's build number is 9200, when logically it should had been 6.2.8800 or 8888 versus 9200.

But the NT kernel being notched up to 6.3? What?! This is Windows 9, not 8. Then again, lots of thing we don't know...

From what I've heard, the Desktop might actually get some cosmetic updates! :dinesh:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Kernel version was my key point why it could be fake. On the other hand MS could switch to anual release of their OS so it would not be so weird to se new kernel version much more often.
Maybe it is the same situation like with web browsers. Look at Chrome and Firefox - for every little change they change version number.

Again, Win7 was 7600 (7601 SP1). Windows 8 is 9200. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if MS goes into five digit build number.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    E5300 @ 3.9 GHz
    Motherboard
    P31 - DS3L
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 800MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD4850 512MB
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 943NW
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 7200.10 250GB
    PSU
    Fortron 350W
    Case
    Linkworld... something
    Cooling
    Arctic Freezer 7
    Keyboard
    Logitech 250 Deluxe
    Mouse
    Logitech SBF 90
    Internet Speed
    4Mbps/512Kbps
    Other Info
    Laptop - Lenovo Z575
    CPU: A6-3400M overclocked to 2.2
    GPU: 6520g + 6650m
    RAM: 8GB DDR3 1333MHz
    OS: Windows 8 Pro x64
    HDD: WD RE3 Enterprise 750GB
Kernel version was my key point why it could be fake. On the other hand MS could switch to anual release of their OS so it would not be so weird to se new kernel version much more often.
Maybe it is the same situation like with web browsers. Look at Chrome and Firefox - for every little change they change version number.

Again, Win7 was 7600 (7601 SP1). Windows 8 is 9200. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if MS goes into five digit build number.

Guarantee you by Windows 9, the build number will definitely be 10900 or some such...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
From what little I have read it looks like Blue will be a lot of fixes plus some feature updates or additions. Rumors that MS wants to go to a yearly update to add new features and not wait on a new release of Windows. I guess we will find out this summer.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
They don't need a fix, they have to redesign the all thing to make it more appealing and more usable. This all thing look to have be design for prisoners, it's good if you have no other choice, well, I'm free and I want more freedom with my PC,Tablet or Phone.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
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