14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft keeps advertising Windows 8, but Windows 7 remains the top choice for many users out there who are looking for a more familiar working environment.
That’s why tech analyst Jeff Kagan thinks that Microsoft should keep both operating systems alive, as customers must be allowed to choose if they wish to go for the traditional desktop UI, or pick the one that also packs the touch-optimized Metro interface.
“Can Microsoft save Windows 8? Let me be clear. Innovation is key. That’s the secret sauce. However it's more than just innovation. It's taking care of customers. And that's where Microsoft is failing,” Kagan explained in a statement.
“Microsoft needs to focus on keeping customers happy and innovating. Since Windows 8 is a total re-write, and since many customers prefer Windows 7, my recommendation is they keep both. Let the user choose the operating system they want. Don’t force a round customer into a square hole.”
Microsoft, on the other hand, seems very keen to make Windows 8 the main choice for users around the world, so the company will soon introduce the first major update called 8.1.
Just as expected, Windows 8.1 packs lots of improvements, some of which have been specifically tailored to meet customer demand.
For example, Microsoft brought back the Start button in Windows 8.1, but instead of launching a Start Menu, it actually gets users to the same live tile-based Start screen.
At the same time, 8.1 packs many more customization options, some of which are supposed to allow users to configure the operating system in such a way that it would make it easier to access specific features.
Windows 8.1 is set to hit RTM next month, while end users are projected to receive the stable build of the OS soon after that, most likely ahead of the holiday season.