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September 26th, 2012, 15:23 GMT · By

Windows 8 Not Fully Baked, Still Good for a New Platform

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Over the past year or so, many have showed increased skepticism regarding the success of Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 8, which steps away from the traditional platform releases that we’ve seen from the Redmond-based software giant before.

Windows 8 indeed represents a new approach to user experience that Microsoft is proposing to millions of people out there, and some suggest that it might not be fully baked, and that the issues inside it will hurt Microsoft.

It’s not only the new UI that makes some wonder whether the platform is indeed ready for every-day use, but various other minor issues that have been found with it.

According to Paul Otellini, Intel chief executive officer, there are plenty of these to take care of, yet Microsoft is still pushing the platform to an October 26th release.

Windows 8 is now ready for the market, Intel’s CEO believes, suggesting that Microsoft should take its time and improve it, a recent report on Bloomberg notes.

The Redmond-based company, on the other hand, is confident on the success of its new product, and even says that it did all the necessary testing to ensure that the OS is ready for launch.

“With over 16 million active preview participants, Windows 8 is the most tested, reviewed and ready operating system in Microsoft’s history. We’re looking forward to making Windows 8 available to the world on October 26th,” Microsoft said, ZDNet reports.

Of course, this does not mean that it is flawless. In fact, it would be a surprise if it were, especially considering other platform releases out there, both from Microsoft and from other software makers. Matias Duarte, Android design leader, has recently admitted that the OS needed a lot of polish.

Those who have used the new platform for the past months have certainly spotted improvements in the user experience in the latest releases when compared to the initial Developer Preview flavor.

They can also confirm that the OS can perform very well when it comes to every-day use, especially if the RTM flavor is the one installed on their machines.

But issues are still there, which should be normal for a brand new operating system, as ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley notes. This also means that Microsoft will start delivering updates for it shortly, and that we might see a Service Pack released in the not-too-distant future as well.

Previous rumors already suggested that Microsoft has started work on the next Windows release, and that it was meant to be a Windows 8 upgrade, but not Windows 9. Basically, it would come as a Service Pack, even if not called that way.

Even if Windows 8 still has issues, we’re sure that those of you who already planned to upgrade will pursue that plan, and that those who already hated it will have one more reason to do so. Let us know what your plans for the new OS are in the comment section below.


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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Gusarflo on 26 Sep 2012, 16:42 UTC reply to this comment

I think that, basically, the weakness next Microsoft Windows will have consists on whom it is designed for; customers will buy an operating system for computers (PC's or Laptops) but, instead of this, they will receive a software thought and designed for mobiles (cellphones, tablets, etc.). Microsoft had to think about who have been its clients along its existence as the dominant software maker; in order to this, they had to design two new platforms in both senses: computers and mobiles instead of just one which forgets the first ones.


Comment #2 by: pluizebol on 26 Sep 2012, 16:42 UTC reply to this comment

I will not embrace it as long as the desktop experience remains a second choice (second hand) experience.


Comment #3 by: NM on 26 Sep 2012, 16:46 UTC reply to this comment

I personally think Windows 8 is an excellent OS & as they say Naysayers will always be naysayers.

Comment #3.1 by: pluizebol on 27 Sep 2012, 11:01 GMT

I have been a loyal Windows user for about 20 years and I have always upgraded to the newest version available.
I will however not upgrade to Windows 8 and that doesn't make me a naysayer !!!!!

Comment #3.2 by: NM on 29 Sep 2012, 05:43 GMT

@pluizebol: yaya that's your choice you already said that earlier :D Anyways, but these fop Analyst(s) cannot thrust their choices/opinions on to us.

All this furore over silly things is very amusing, MS is bringing new things & they're doing a very fine job.

This reminds me of the time when Mices were introduced & many were dismissing the mouse as being inefficient :D

Frankly speaking from my own experience, I've had a terrific time with Windows 7 & Windows 8 RTM, I love the Windows 8 User Interface it's fast, fluid, responsive & efficient.

I believe in progress & Everybody hates snobs who try to stall it.


Comment #4 by: groberts116 on 26 Sep 2012, 18:10 UTC reply to this comment

I've been using Windows 8 since February and I'm now using the RTM release. I have no hardware issues. With 1st release in February the graphics card adapter driver was troublesome, but NVidia quickly upgraded the driver and it is very stable and quick. I have no problems with printers or scanners, USB drives or DVD drives. Even the codec for my Nikon RAW files is now available and works....codecs either work or they don't work and in with Windows 8 it works.

For $39 I highly recommend upgrading. I intend to upgrade my PC and laptop, as well as, my entertainment system in our family room. My son and I would prefer that Microsoft had left the start button active, but that's not a reason not to upgrade. My son plans to get a 3rd party start button add on. I'm happy with Windows 8 the way it is. Hope this is helpful for others considering whether or not to upgrade.


Comment #5 by: mm on 26 Sep 2012, 19:28 UTC reply to this comment

I have been using windoes release preview since it was realeased. It was easy to install and all appliaction except few were not found compatible. Though it took a little time to get acquainted with new inteface, once understood I have loved it.


Comment #6 by: Mars on 26 Sep 2012, 20:03 UTC reply to this comment

Well, I'll wait for Windows 9. And I hope that Windows 9 will be as good as Windows 7, I mean the work environment. I can't work on Windows 8 like that. Linux, Mac OS X have almost the same environment as Windows 7 have but Windows 8? No, I will stay with 7 for now! Good for microsoft about the improvements on security, new features etc with it's new OS but this environment is not for me! This is my opinion guys, no offense!


Comment #7 by: st4554 on 26 Sep 2012, 23:26 UTC reply to this comment

My plans so far, is to stick with Windows 7. It does everything i need it too, and i'm happy using 7, i see no need to upgrade.

Now patiently waiting for Service Pack 2.


Comment #8 by: Antilles on 27 Sep 2012, 02:32 UTC reply to this comment

What is Microsoft trying to achieve with Windows 8 interface and usability is unification of mobile OS with PC OS. For me that only means a "dumbgrade" on my PC, so I will stick with Windows 7.


Comment #9 by: NM on 27 Sep 2012, 05:02 UTC reply to this comment

I think Windows 8 is an excellent OS & as the saying goes, "Naysayers will always be naysayers".


Comment #10 by: Grumpigeek on 27 Sep 2012, 10:14 UTC reply to this comment

I hope MS have fixed the dreadful font rendering in IE10 and other parts of Windows 8. It really is totally unusable for me the way it is now.


Comment #11 by: zelda on 28 Sep 2012, 12:17 UTC reply to this comment

I was a naysayer but just give it a change try it for a while and it grows on you. Found the all apps button at bottom and could pin to start or taskbar. Its different and sometime different takes some getting used to. Its got some great features and its nice and quick. Other OS have their quirks and annoying things but overall i do like windows 8.

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