Here's Everything You Need To Know About Microsoft's Big Windows 8 Announcements This Week

Business Insider ^ | 06/18/2012 | Steve Kovach

[SeekAndFind]

This is going to be a huge week for Microsoft. Today, the company is expected to announce its first tablet, which will be designed to compete with the iPad.

On Wednesday, we're expecting Microsoft to give us details on the next major version of its Windows Phone operating, which will likely be very similar to Windows 8.

Here's you need to know:

* Microsoft will announce its own tablet. This will be the first time Microsoft builds the hardware and software for a tablet.

* The tablet will run a special version of Windows 8 called "Windows RT." Windows RT is designed to run on devices with ARM processors. Those are the same types of processors found in smartphone and tablets (like the iPad) today. Windows RT won't be able today's traditional Windows apps, only apps from the Windows 8 app store.

* Microsoft may also announce a tablet that runs the full version of Windows 8. According to All Things D, there's a possibility Microsoft will announce a tablet powered by processors that allow it to run the full version of Windows 8. That means you'll be able to access the Windows 7-like desktop mode and run older Windows apps.

* There's a rumor Barnes & Noble will be involved (but don't believe it). According to TechCrunch, Microsoft's tablet announcement will be for a Nook-branded device made by Barnes & Noble. Microsoft recently invested $300 million in Barnes & Noble, so it's possible. However, Barnes & Noble shot down the Nook rumor.

* Microsoft may show off the next version of Windows Phone on Wednesday.

[adorno]

I could say that the new interface appears to me to be rather infantile.

How so?

I realize you have a CYA word in your comment, like "could", which would make it "not a definite" on your side, but, perhaps that is how you feel. So, what part of the interface makes it "infantile"? Remember that, all kinds of tech savvy people like to point at how simple Apple makes things by taking the thinking out of the hands and minds of it gadget customers, so, why would making things "simple" to use be "infantile" instead of simple or user-friendly?

[zeugma]

I realize you have a CYA word in your comment, like "could", which would make it "not a definite" on your side, but, perhaps that is how you feel. So, what part of the interface makes it "infantile"?

Ha! Ya noticed my weasel word. From what I've seen and heard of it, it doesn't look like something that would suit the way I work. I'm a Unix/Linux, not Mac guy. I like multiple desktops spread across multiple monitors to allow me to move from program to program quickly and efficiently. No current (or from the looks of things, planned) version of MS-Windows suits the way I work. Every time I have to use a windows computer, it makes me feel like I'm being handcuffed when I want to do actual work, so I'm not really a good choice of a person to give an opinion one way or the other on the new interface, because until someone holds a gun to my head, I won't use it beyond possibly installing a copy of vmware workstation on it so I can load up a real OS and get some work done.

My previous post was really just an example. I really dislike the name-calling that many of these tech threads degenerate into. I don't think it serve any valid purpose I can see. I don't care what type of computer you use, as long as you're not interested in forcing me to use it. I'd like people to focus on the tech and not make it personal. It's difficult though, because a lot of people (on each side) can sometimes have too much invested ni their own personal choices, and take an attack on their tech as an attack on themselves, when it probably wasn't meant as such.

[JOAT]

You're probably a regular on the DU, and Huffpo, and MoveOn, with that kind of logic, which is no logic at all.

Standard dumb ass reply.

You don't like my comment so you call me a "liberal."

Really? Are you posting from mommy's basement?

Dream on with your 600 million adoption figure, this metrosexual interface is destined to join WinCE, WinME and Vista in the MS halls of shame.

[tacticalogic]

I'm a Unix/Linux, not Mac guy.

There appears to be quite a bit more to W8 than just the RT/Metro interface.

I'd think a Unix/Linux guy would be more interested 2012 Server Core.

[dayglored]

> Think of it as just one great, big blue tile.

No, no, that's the name of the IBM tablet.

Oh, wait.... yeah, didn't they used to make computers?

[dayglored]

> ...the new interface appears to me to be rather infantile...

And that's why it'll do well with the "dumbed-down" young-and-modern crowd Microsoft is aiming this tablet at.

This is not an interface for business professionals, much less computer tech types.

This is an interface for kids, and by that I include up to about age 30.

Personally I hate it on a desktop or laptop. But on a tablet it has a decent chance of success precisely because it is infantile.

[adorno]

Standard dumb ass reply.

Sure, you call me a progressive, and that's not a dumbass comment from your puny brain? Ever hear of the kettle calling the pot black?

You don't like my comment so you call me a "liberal."

So, calling me a progressive is okay, but, I can't call you a liberal. If you can't take it, don't dish it out.

Really? Are you posting from mommy's basement?

Considering that, there are no basements in Florida, that would be highly unlikely; further considering that, I never lived in a basement, and I've been out of my "mommy's home" for over 45 years, then the answer to your dumb question is a resounding, NO!!!.

Now, considering the contents of your posts, it's very likely that, the one with the 10 year old mind, and still living with mommy, is you. So, again, like a typical liberal, you accuse others of what you do.

Dream on with your 600 million adoption figure, this metrosexual interface is destined to join WinCE, WinME and Vista in the MS halls of shame.

600 million is the number of licenses that MS sold for Windows 7, and, with Windows 8, expectations/predictions are for that number to easily be surpassed, especially when the form factors now include smartphones and tablets and desktops and laptops and ultrabooks.

No doubt, you are one of the low percentage of people who would like for Microsoft to fail, for no reason other than, not liking Microsoft and/or Windows.

[adorno]

Nobody would or can ever force you to use a piece of software or hardware, but, if you're going to offer what, even remotely sounds like an opinion, then, people might want to know why you feel that way, and so, I had to ask.

Now, hopefully you noticed that, in my exchange with that other poster, I didn't start the negative tone, or with the insults.

One thing I've learned, through life, is that, just taking the insults and the punishment that others might dish out, could serve as encouragement for them to dish out more of it. That's how liberals behave, and I've learned that, sometimes, you need to get in the gutter with them in order to equalize them and to let them know that, they ain't going to get away with much. Insults are my last resort, but, only when someone else starts it out of desperation of not being able to make their case.

[JerseyDvl]

It merely sounded like a technical opinion.

[JOAT]

Wow. Your debating skills are legendary.

I really am in awe.

You've convinced me, Windows 8 is the best OS mankind will ever see.

[adorno]

Wow. Your debating skills are legendary.

I don't debate; I present information and facts. You might not like the facts, but then, that's your problem.

I really am in awe.

When you don't really have anything to say, why not just keep quiet? You know what they say: "Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt".

You've convinced me, Windows 8 is the best OS mankind will ever see.

You have to make things up in order to feel good about yourself, don't you?

"Best" is a relative word, and what's good for some, may not be good for others. The fact remains that, people don't have to use Windows, and they're actually free to move to other OSes, and they can actually purchase PCs or Macs with other OSes inside, but, Windows remains the choice of the vast majority of people. Yeah, I know you're going to retort with, "...but, it comes preloaded in PCs, and people aren't really making a choice", but, Macs are sold in stores, just like the PCs, and replacing Windows with Linux has become a much easier task than in the past, so, people do still have the choice, and they've opted to get Windows and stay with Windows.

"Denial" can keep people ignorant and/or angry.

[JOAT]

When you don't really have anything to say, why not just keep quiet? You know what they say: "Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt".

Snicker. You should have stopped talking then, about 10 posts ago.

BTW, 'facts' guy, I never called you a 'progressive.' Go back and review. I'll accept your apology in advance!

[adorno]

You should have stopped talking then, about 10 posts ago.

Nope. Not gonna happen.

If I have something to say, I'll say it. But, you sound like a typical liberal out there, who would like nothing more than to shut up all of those who disagree with them.

I never called you a 'progressive.'

Fine, if it will make you happy, I'll apologize. But, the rest of my comments remain and the facts speak for themselves.

[LexBaird]

That Metro is one butt ugly GUI. Is there gonna be a way to get rid of those fruity-colored clunky tiles? It’s like it was designed by Fischer-Price for a Speak-N-Spell.

[Wizdum]

Service Pack 1 will be available in a couple of weeks to fix all the things that don’t work on release, and break the things that do work. /sarc