14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is going through a new reorganization process that’s supposed to get it closer to the devices and services concept embraced by its boss, Steve Ballmer, and analysts applaud the new strategy.
Charles King, principal analyst with Pund-IT, says in a short interview with V3 that Microsoft’s new reorganization is a sign that the Softies finally understand that the world is changing, so it needs to adapt its offering to users.
“The purpose of this reorganisation is to prove that Microsoft understands that the world is changing,” he says. “The world is a different place than in the heyday of the Wintel era, and Microsoft understands that the most dynamic parts of the market are moving away from its traditional market sweet-spots.”
Steve Ballmer said during the Worldwide Partner Conference 2013 that Microsoft was really trying to get closer to users by listening to their feedback, and the return of the Start button in Windows 8.1 was living proof that this was already happening.
What’s more, Microsoft’s big honcho explained that Windows 8.1 was just another attempt to show users that his company really cared about their requests, so many of the built-in features had been specifically developed to address complaints.
“It really speaks to the feedback that we've gotten. It builds on the exciting new user interface, the embrace of new platforms, the new programming model. But we've also suggested the feedback that we've gotten from people on how it works in the enterprise, what we need for serious desktop users, and I think you'll be incredibly impressed by the work on Windows 8.1,” Ballmer said.
Windows 8.1 is already available in Preview form, but sources familiar with the matter hint that the stable build is expected to be released as soon as late August. 8.1 is going to be offered as a free download for all Windows 8 and RT users.