14 DAY TRIAL // The Windows Experience Index score is bound to evolve in Windows 8, just as it was the case with the boost it received in Windows 7 compared to Windows Vista, and this is an excellent chance for Microsoft to do much more than just go to a fresh, higher mark and account for new hardware hitting the market. It’s an opportunity to perhaps introduce intelligent WEI scores for users of the next major version of Windows.
As far as I’m concerned, having a Windows feature that assesses the hardware and produces a score offering users insight on just how powerful their computer really is, should be only a part of Intelligent WEI scores.
Let’s look at the de description the Redmond company is providing for the Windows Experience Index: “Ever wonder how a PC you own—or want to buy—stacks up against others? The Windows Experience Index is one way to find out.
“This feature, updated for Windows 7, rates the performance of key hardware components such as the CPU, disk drive, and graphics card. The PC is then given a score between 1.0 and 7.9.
“When you're shopping for a new PC, the Windows Experience Index can help you find the floor model that suits your needs.
“Scoring a PC you already own can help pinpoint slower components worth upgrading. A PC with a score of 2 is typically sufficient for basic computer tasks like word processing or web browsing. Graphics–intensive software frequently requires a 3 or higher.”
It all sounds very good, except that current WEI scores are nothing more than a static piece of information.
Sure, the score itself can be refreshed once new hardware is added, but it will remain just a number, largely useless except to generate bragging rights.
Social WEI scores And speaking of bragging rights… How can users compare WEI scores? Sure, they can brag about it to their friends, and there are sites such as WEIShare, but nothing from the software giant on the matter.
In a world where virtually everything else has a social component, WEI scores also need to stretch into the Cloud.
Windows 8 customers should be able to easily share their WEI scores with their friends on Facebook, Twitter, and additional social networks.
And perhaps an online WEI hub for Windows 8 users wouldn’t be such a bad idea either. A place where users can interact, and get information from their peers and Microsoft staff alike on how to get the most out of their computers.
Of course, because of privacy concerns users will need to accept sharing they’re WEI scores with others, with the social features being disabled by default.
Guidance for buying and upgrading new components and PCs
This is where the “intelligent” part comes in. Wei in Windows 8 needs to be better equipped at offering guidance to users on buying a new computer or upgrading the components of an old machine.
Microsoft already has the Windows PC Scout in place, an excellent online application designed to help users explore computer offerings and buy the machine that is best suited for their needs.
Microsoft needs to take Windows 8’s WEI into the Cloud and connect it with the Windows PC Scout, or a similar app.
One of the criteria for buying Windows 8 PCs should be the WEI score, clearly displayed, in combination with a site on which buyers can check a specific computer, quickly compare it with other machines, and make the best decision about their purchase.
Here’s another idea: include Apple Macs on Windows PC Scout, and show the price difference between a Mac and a Windows 8 PC with the same WEI score. Customers are bound to respond to that.
Going beyond the CPU, RAM, GPU, and HDD
Ever felt that the WEI score is a tad limited? You’re not alone. Windows 8’s WEI score should be more than about key hardware components.
How about an extended WEI score which also takes into consideration battery life for example? Customers buying laptops are certainly looking to use their machines for as much as possible, why not let Windows tell them just how good the battery of their PC is compared to other machines?
How about also making the WEI score about overall performance rather than just hardware? Customers could use a feature that monitors software performance and alerts them when a certain program is impacting the speed of their computers and the quality of the UX.
Keeping geeks happy
I realize that intelligent WEI scores are going to appeal to only a small part of Windows customers, but fact is that it’s a minority that should be vitally important to the software giant.
Namely just the users that Microsoft needs to do its best to keep pampered and happy. They're the geeks, the bloggers, the opinion makers, the tech enthusiasts, the go-to IT tech guys and gals for their friends, family, etc.
There are no wasted efforts when it comes down to marketing Windows 8 as best as possible to the people that average consumers ask whether it will be worth to upgrade or not.