The Windows 8 experience

On Wednesday 29 February, Microsoft introduced the consumer preview version of Windows 8 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Steven Sinofsky considers it the most important ‘generational change’ since Windows 95 that introduced Start menu and taskbar.

The new version attempts to bridge the gap between desktop, laptop and tablet. The software is available to download, before its public launch in a few months. Since Windows 7 is quite difficult to use on touch-screen devices, the new operating system is designed for the low power chips to be compatible with mobile phones and tablets in an attempt to effectively compete with Apple and Google: ‘We challenged ourselves to bring the best of mobility and the best of PCs, in an experience where you don't have to compromise.’ Steven Sinofsky chose to present its new operating system at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona instead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas which shows a new direction in Microsoft’s approach to computing.

Windows 8 has two modes: Metro-style, a modern mobile operating system built on a new ‘Windows Runtime’, and the standard Windows desktop, still needed by Microsoft for existing applications such as Office. In the Metro mode apps are installed from an online store, run full screen and are simple to use. Apps can run at the same time, but only two can share the screen, they also remain responsive when performing long operations thanks to the new runtime. Some important changes have been made since the Developer Preview. There are many more apps available which include Mail, Music, SkyDrive, and People. All store apps are free for the time being and will remain free until the commercial launch. The Metro-style Windows 8 performance of is excellent when tapping on-screen controls, using the keyboard or flipping through apps. Microsoft's social media account synchronisation also works great. As soon as you log into Windows Life  your contacts from Twitter (or other social networking site) are imported to the People app. Windows 8 will also use the cloud to store users' preferences so that they can automatically load when the user signs in.

Metro apps look quite different from the standard Windows apps that we are used to, with their clear design and bold controls. There are several swipe patterns set up to make the use of the tablet quicker and more convenient. Many familiar smartphone gestures; pinch to zoom out, tap to enlarge and swipe, remain featured. The mouse control has also been improved since the Developer Preview. When you move the pointer to the corner of the screen with your mouse you can perform common actions: access Start menu, Windows charms and switch apps. Finding applications however may prove frustrating at times as many of them are hidden and accessible only from the Start menu. There are two versions of the Internet Explorer included: the Metro-style Windows does pure HTML5 with no add-ins installed and the desktop mode has Adobeflash, Activex etc. Some sites therefore do not work on the Metro version but Microsoft is hoping that most sites will adapt to the changes. Another issue is whether it is possible to create a user interface that works as well with touch as with mouse or a keyboard. So far, it does seem that the Metro side works better with touch, while the desktop side is still difficult to use without peripherals.

It seems that most innovations were made to the Metro platform and therefore desktop Windows 8 users may feel disappointed by the new operating system. Some consider its features, designed mainly for the Metro-style software, awkward to use. However, a few changes to improve Windows’ overall performance have also been made, such as fast boot and smart networking that switches automatically to cheaper connections.

There are a lot of expectations set for Windows 8. Windows 7 sold 525m licenses however its popularity was only on PCs. The new software has a huge potential for success, its design is more elegant than Android and despite a few minor issues it works fine and is very convenient to use. The one obvious advantage of  is the possibility to access all desktop applications at any point on your tablet.This radical move however may run a risk of alienating ordinary Windows users. Furthermore, Microsoft cannot disregard its rivals. Windows 8 may find it difficult to get acceptance facing tough competition from Apple and Google.

Also see: Patent disputes: protecting manufacturers or threatening innovation?

'We have something you really have to see. And touch.' Technological Updates

There have been some exciting news in the world of technology, new products have just been launched (or are about to).
The first product worth mentioning is the PlayStation Vita, a portable gaming console launched by Sony.  Main features of the Vita’s features include: touchscreen, similar to those in smartphones, touch-sensitive panels on the back to increase gaming control, front and rear camera, access to the internet, as well as social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The most basic model of the device sells at £219 and Sony hopes it will appeal to the gamers that would like to enjoy their favourite games from bigger consoles on smaller portable devices.

The new model comes at the time of financial struggle for the Japanese company which has recently reported losses of $2bn due to flooding of some of its warehouses. Despite that Sony has already spent $50m on the promotional activity for its new device. It seems somewhat extensive for a gaming console which cannot be used to make calls, send messages, record videos and play songs. However, as the company CEO Jack Tretton explained that the Vita brings social gaming to a whole new level and was created mainly for true enthusiasts looking for a better gaming experience.

Another creation that deserves the attention is iPad3 which will soon be launched by Apple, or that is what is expected. The company has sent out invitations to an event that will take place on 7th March in San Francisco however the purpose of the event has not been specified. The invitation read: ‘We have something you really have to see. And touch...’ Some shops, have already started discounting the iPad 2 model to make space for the new upgraded version and reports suggest that the new version of the iPad is already being shipped to the US. It was reported that Apple shares soared to $530 for the first time in the company's history after the invitations were issued.

This launch is considered the most significant event since the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs last year. It is claimed that the new model will have a quad-core processor, 4G and Long Term Evolution technology. A Retina Display is also widely hoped for, however the same expectations were set for iPad2. Judging by the success of Apple’s previous launches: the first iPad, that sold three million in 80 days after its release in 2010 and almost 15 million that year, as well as iPad2, which was bought by one million people in 28 days after launching, iPad3 can count on widespread interest.

In other news Samsung received two out of four most significant GSMA awards at Mobile World Congress. Samsung was announced the Device Manufacturer of the Year and its Galaxy S II was crowned the Best Smartphone, defeating Apple’s iPhone4 which was granted the award last year. Samsung was praised for ‘outperforming rivals in a tough market’ and its overall progress. The company seems to have dominated the smartphone market as its Galaxy S III, to be launched later this year, is supposed to raise the bar for Android devices.

Apple received the Best Mobile Tablet award for its iPad2, a product that ‘has defined the market and dominated sales.’ With iPad3, expected to come out in March, Apple became a major competitor in the tablet market. However, its dominant position may be threatened by some recent innovations: a string of tablets created by Google's Android operating system as well as new category of tablet devices powered by Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. Microsoft will run through the details of Windows 8 on Wednesday at an event in Barcelona. It takes Microsoft one step closer to its goal: the ultimate integration of the PC, tablet, and smartphone experience, which Apple is also aiming to achieve with its iOS and OS X platforms.

It is comforting to see that new launches still take place despite patent and trademark battles that major technological players have been involved in recently. It confirms that innovation remains a central focus for manufacturers and not all efforts are concentrated on lawsuits and disputes.

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