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Google Vice President of Design: Windows 10 Is Windows XP with a Flat Skin

Google exec comments on how Windows 10 looks and works

Nov 3, 2015 05:44 GMT  ·  By
Windows 10 is an improved version of Windows XP, the Google exec says
   Windows 10 is an improved version of Windows XP, the Google exec says

Microsoft claims that Windows 10 has the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 regarding features and looks, but as far as Google’s Vice President of Design, Matias Duarte, is concerned, not much has changed with this new OS version.

Duarte, who is the one who brought the Material Design to life, published a few remarks about Windows 10 on Twitter as he tried to set up his Surface Pro 4.

First and foremost, he claims Windows 10 is nothing more than a Windows XP version with flat design, adding that “Windows 10? More like Windows 10 years ago.”

We’re pretty sure that many Windows XP users would be more than happy to get a new version of their favorite operating system, but that’s not entirely accurate, as Windows 10 actually comes with tons of improvements, not only regarding features and security but also design and under-the-hood technologies.

“It works like Windows XP”

Duarte, however, tried to clarify after a few minutes that his first remarks were mostly aimed at the way the operating system works, and not necessarily to the way it looks.

“I have no beef with how #Windows10 *looks*. I'm disappointed it *works* just like XP. I understand that's a feature for many. Not for me! I've always liked Microsoft was attempting to do with Windows 8 - change the paradigm,” he explained.

In case you’re wondering who Matias Duarte is, Google’s Vice President of Design headed several key projects at the Mountain View-based search company, including the interface and design for Android Honeycomb, part of the Material Design overhaul, plus a number of other technologies that are currently available on Android phones. He previously worked on Palm’s webOS, where he led the development of the so-called Human Interface and User Experience.

With his remarks, Duarte seems to be joining the anti-Windows 10 club, so Microsoft’s new operating system is quickly becoming the kind of love it or hate it product. Opinions are still divided on Window 10’s performance and looks until now, so make sure you let us know what you think in the comment box after the jump. We’re also preparing a poll on Windows 10, so we’ll update this article when it goes live.