14 DAY TRIAL // An abundance of internal Microsoft documents reveal the company’s upcoming plans with Windows 8, including a prototype machine akin to the Apple iMac, and a slide which acts as clear evidence that Microsoft is paying attention to the activity down in Cupertino.
Msftkictchen.com acknowledges that Microsoft has broken down Apple’s UX/Brand Loyalty cycle, and is now aiming to label its Windows operating system as a platform that just works, much like Apple does with its own products (both hardware, and software). As shown in the screenshot above, the slide is entitled “How Apple Does it: A virtuous cycle”. The slide continues with a few strong points the illuminated minds at Microsoft managed to pinpoint while watching Apple gain presence in just about every niche of the industry. Those are:
- Apple brand is known for high quality, uncomplicated, “It just works” - Product UX is designed to help people realize value - Realized value leads to product satisfaction, which in turn feeds brand loyalty - This is something people will pay for!
Not to be left unmentioned is the Windows 8 Prototype Machine (second picture down) which, needless to point out, looks likeit was conceived by a drunk Apple designer. The document also includes some specs - 17 to 30-inch touch display offering a “high-quality touch experience” and HD Video, infrared and ambient light sensors, a 2D camera aiding in face recognition-based login, and otherwise regular PC specs.
While some may think Microsoft should feel ashamed for letting these details leak, others may see this as regular staff training where the company’s heads indirectly admit there are things they need to work on. In this case, Microsoft offered what was probably the best example of how to achieve some goals, something the company should not be criticized too much about.
