ViRGE
Elite Member, Moderator Emeritus
- Oct 9, 1999
- 31,516
- 167
- 106
Am I reading that right? The media player applications are going to be branded as Zune or XBL? What the heck happened to calling a media player a media player?
it seems to me like MS is trying to set everything on it's ear as far as conventional OS goes. change is a coming!!!
Dahak
Diamond Member
- Mar 2, 2000
- 3,752
- 25
- 91
Am I reading that right? The media player applications are going to be branded as Zune or XBL? What the heck happened to calling a media player a media player?
From what i understand is initially when hey had the zune hardware player, they where going to start branding the multimedia stuff zune, but then when that fell out I heard that now they are going to try to merge a bunch of branding into xbox/xbox live.
again this is all a guess, not sure why they could not just go windows media play 14 or whatever
stupid marketing
ViRGE
Elite Member, Moderator Emeritus
- Oct 9, 1999
- 31,516
- 167
- 106
Chiefcrowe
Diamond Member
- Sep 15, 2008
- 5,056
- 199
- 116
Interesting article about power management in 8 -
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive...iciency-for-applications.aspx?Redirected=true
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive...iciency-for-applications.aspx?Redirected=true
this might explain it better virge http://news.softpedia.com/news/No-Media-Center-in-Windows-8-Consumer-Preview-251617.shtmlAm I reading that right? The media player applications are going to be branded as Zune or XBL? What the heck happened to calling a media player a media player?
Wow, media center included only in "premium SKUs for Windows." Are they going to try to get people to pay much more for something like Ultimate? That would suck since an HTPC system uses very few of the OS features already.
Rhonda the Sly
Senior member
- Nov 22, 2007
- 818
- 4
- 76
What surprises me is that they don't just sell an app (a desktop app) on the store. Just the workings of a boxed software company, or am I missing something?
http://news.softpedia.com/news/More-Windows-8-Build-Numbers-Emerge-251804.shtml
On the last day of February 2012, Microsoft will show to the world the beta flavor of its Windows 8 operating system, called Consumer Preview.
The Redmond-based software giant has already confirmed the move officially, and were all eagerly waiting to learn more on what it has to unveil to the world on that day.
In the meantime, however, we learn that the work on the final build of the Consumer Preview is not over yet.
In fact, it appears that Microsoft is applying the final touches to the platform, and that it is currently testing beta release candidate builds for the new OS flavor.
A recent post on Winunleaked.tk shows that Microsoft has Windows 8 Consumer Preview in its Escrow period, and that they are moving along with the 822x build numbers.
In fact, screenshots of the 8220.0 build from the WinMAIN_Win8Beta branch have made it online, offering a glimpse of what the next Windows 8 Consumer Preview could offer.
Moreover, there is a screenshot coming from Microsoft themselves via Twitter, which points at Build 8225 being currently tested in the companys labs.
And there are also a series of rumors that emerged last year, which suggest that the Windows 8 Customer Preview will arrive with build number 8227.0.winmain_win8beta.120207-1903.
Windows 8 Server will follow a similar path. Following the 8220 build (Beta Candidate) that was supposedly ready at the end of January, the platform will reach 8226 when pushed to the public.
Regardless of the actual build numbers, Windows 8 Consumer Preview will have a lot of great features to offer to those who will give it a try, even if they install it on a desktop PC.
On February 29th, Microsoft will announce the new platform release and will make it available for download for the general public. The company is also expected to unveil more info on the future roadmap of Windows 8.
On the last day of February 2012, Microsoft will show to the world the beta flavor of its Windows 8 operating system, called Consumer Preview.
The Redmond-based software giant has already confirmed the move officially, and were all eagerly waiting to learn more on what it has to unveil to the world on that day.
In the meantime, however, we learn that the work on the final build of the Consumer Preview is not over yet.
In fact, it appears that Microsoft is applying the final touches to the platform, and that it is currently testing beta release candidate builds for the new OS flavor.
A recent post on Winunleaked.tk shows that Microsoft has Windows 8 Consumer Preview in its Escrow period, and that they are moving along with the 822x build numbers.
In fact, screenshots of the 8220.0 build from the WinMAIN_Win8Beta branch have made it online, offering a glimpse of what the next Windows 8 Consumer Preview could offer.
Moreover, there is a screenshot coming from Microsoft themselves via Twitter, which points at Build 8225 being currently tested in the companys labs.
And there are also a series of rumors that emerged last year, which suggest that the Windows 8 Customer Preview will arrive with build number 8227.0.winmain_win8beta.120207-1903.
Windows 8 Server will follow a similar path. Following the 8220 build (Beta Candidate) that was supposedly ready at the end of January, the platform will reach 8226 when pushed to the public.
Regardless of the actual build numbers, Windows 8 Consumer Preview will have a lot of great features to offer to those who will give it a try, even if they install it on a desktop PC.
On February 29th, Microsoft will announce the new platform release and will make it available for download for the general public. The company is also expected to unveil more info on the future roadmap of Windows 8.
ViRGE
Elite Member, Moderator Emeritus
- Oct 9, 1999
- 31,516
- 167
- 106
That article seems to have caught the attention of the Win8 team: https://twitter.com/#!/BuildWindows8/status/167276289286352896
I am a little too lazy to read through all the articles. Has anyone heard anything about if Windows 8 will include a version of Silverlight with hardware (GPU) acceleration support?
http://www.winbeta.org/news/why-windows-8-will-not-be-major-release-for-microsoft
Many of us are eagerly awaiting for Microsoft to release Windows 8 so we can use first-hand all the new features the operating system will provide. But when you really think about it, is Windows 8 really a major release or just another Windows version tailored to tablets?
Microsoft's riskiest product, as said by Steve Ballmer, is Windows 8. But is Microsoft taking too much of a risk with Windows 8 or have we not realized the method to the madness? Windows on Arm (WOA) was introduced to us during CES 2011 and revealed to us in-depth recently but isn't it just another version of Windows tailored to specific devices? Microsoft's plans are farther out than any of us can imagine. Yes, we realize that Microsoft is trying to enter the tablet market with force, and there is a second user interface, but completely removing the start menu and making the start screen the interface of choice? Windows 8, in my opinion, is not a major release.
Windows 8 is not an ideal version of Windows for business users. Why is that? The typical business or corporation does not need the "fluttery" and "flattering" user interface that Windows 8 has and the start menu is counted on by many to reach certain programs within seconds. Microsoft has even stated that businesses should focus on upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 first, then worry about upgrading to Windows 8. Windows XP, which debuted in 2001, is still used by many of Microsoft's business customers. Microsoft even went as far as extending support for Windows XP until 2014. Microsoft sees the logic in this, but why can't we?
Before the BUILD Developer Conference last year, we saw numerous Windows 8 leaks. We received Windows 8 builds 7850, 7927, 7955, Server 7959, and 7989. It looked like an ordinary copy of Windows 7 with slight modifications, right? What we didn't see was the new Metro UI at the time. These builds leaked before the unveiling of the UI in June, therefore the expectations were slightly different. Step by step, Microsoft was making big changes.
The Developer Preview was released on September 13, 2011. Eager developers and many consumers hogged the servers that very night hoping to install it. The build, itself numbered 8102, contained the new start screen, and a variety of "test" apps. When you pressed the Desktop button you had the taskbar, the start button, and your friendly neighborhood icons, and with a slight registry hack the start menu could be re-enabled for those who didn't have the Metro fever. As remarkable as this was, we had figured that Windows 8 would include an option to disable the start screen, and provide access to the old menu. But as newer builds and pictures have shown, that may not be the case.
Around Windows 8 build 8195, pictures were leaked and many were stunned, including me. What was there for 17 years ... just was not there anymore. The iconic button that symbolized the action of Windows 95 all the way to Windows 7 disappeared. Microsoft removed the start button from the taskbar, leaving one small "gap" between the Internet Explorer button and...well...nothing else. Yeah, when you move the mouse over the area a "start" tag comes up, but what is the future of the start menu? Assuming that the button is no longer there, Microsoft isn't really trying to gain the attention of business users at this time.
The success of Windows 8 is debatable, due to the two possible paths it could take. Let's consider the two possible outcomes.
Designed for Tablets
Microsoft's main goal is to develop its Windows operating system for tablets. Microsoft states that it has PC support, but according to usage of the Developer Preview, PC use is not ideal, especially with the removal of the start menu and start button. Microsoft has urged companies and businesses to not jump to Windows 8, and to stick with Windows 7 because of its efficiency. Windows 8 will not be a major release, and will just be Microsoft's entrance into the tablet and app market.
OR
Fallback Solution
Not everyone likes change. Radical change, such as the removal of the start menu and addition of a start screen, Metro interface, and Ribbon UI, will make it harder for those who are barely learning how to use Windows 7. Same with businesses. It takes more time and money to teach an entire organization how to use the new operating system, not to mention the cost and time it takes to deploy the upgrade. Microsoft should offer a fall-back solution which mimics the Windows 7 interface in some manner with slight (not drastic) changes. And put the start button and menu back!
Just because Windows 8 doesn't have the start menu, doesn't mean Windows Server 8 will not. Windows Server 8 needs the start menu to access tools and such, which may mean there is hope. Assuming Windows Server 8 keeps the start menu, Microsoft may even have the brains to actually make a certain version of Windows 8 (whether it be Enterprise or Professional/Ultimate) which allows the enabling/disabling of the start screen, start button, and start menu.
Whatever choices Microsoft makes in the development of Windows 8 makes it crucial to its placement as a minor/major release. Windows 7 was not a major release, but for many people it was a great successor to Windows XP and it annihilated Vista's bad karma. The company has repeatedly stated that this will be a single-sized operating system to rule them all, but how can you tailor the operating system towards tablets and not focus on the PC aspect as well? Microsoft can make Windows 8 a major release, but so far it looks like it will end up dead in the water.
Many of us are eagerly awaiting for Microsoft to release Windows 8 so we can use first-hand all the new features the operating system will provide. But when you really think about it, is Windows 8 really a major release or just another Windows version tailored to tablets?
Microsoft's riskiest product, as said by Steve Ballmer, is Windows 8. But is Microsoft taking too much of a risk with Windows 8 or have we not realized the method to the madness? Windows on Arm (WOA) was introduced to us during CES 2011 and revealed to us in-depth recently but isn't it just another version of Windows tailored to specific devices? Microsoft's plans are farther out than any of us can imagine. Yes, we realize that Microsoft is trying to enter the tablet market with force, and there is a second user interface, but completely removing the start menu and making the start screen the interface of choice? Windows 8, in my opinion, is not a major release.
Windows 8 is not an ideal version of Windows for business users. Why is that? The typical business or corporation does not need the "fluttery" and "flattering" user interface that Windows 8 has and the start menu is counted on by many to reach certain programs within seconds. Microsoft has even stated that businesses should focus on upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 first, then worry about upgrading to Windows 8. Windows XP, which debuted in 2001, is still used by many of Microsoft's business customers. Microsoft even went as far as extending support for Windows XP until 2014. Microsoft sees the logic in this, but why can't we?
Before the BUILD Developer Conference last year, we saw numerous Windows 8 leaks. We received Windows 8 builds 7850, 7927, 7955, Server 7959, and 7989. It looked like an ordinary copy of Windows 7 with slight modifications, right? What we didn't see was the new Metro UI at the time. These builds leaked before the unveiling of the UI in June, therefore the expectations were slightly different. Step by step, Microsoft was making big changes.
The Developer Preview was released on September 13, 2011. Eager developers and many consumers hogged the servers that very night hoping to install it. The build, itself numbered 8102, contained the new start screen, and a variety of "test" apps. When you pressed the Desktop button you had the taskbar, the start button, and your friendly neighborhood icons, and with a slight registry hack the start menu could be re-enabled for those who didn't have the Metro fever. As remarkable as this was, we had figured that Windows 8 would include an option to disable the start screen, and provide access to the old menu. But as newer builds and pictures have shown, that may not be the case.
Around Windows 8 build 8195, pictures were leaked and many were stunned, including me. What was there for 17 years ... just was not there anymore. The iconic button that symbolized the action of Windows 95 all the way to Windows 7 disappeared. Microsoft removed the start button from the taskbar, leaving one small "gap" between the Internet Explorer button and...well...nothing else. Yeah, when you move the mouse over the area a "start" tag comes up, but what is the future of the start menu? Assuming that the button is no longer there, Microsoft isn't really trying to gain the attention of business users at this time.
The success of Windows 8 is debatable, due to the two possible paths it could take. Let's consider the two possible outcomes.
Designed for Tablets
Microsoft's main goal is to develop its Windows operating system for tablets. Microsoft states that it has PC support, but according to usage of the Developer Preview, PC use is not ideal, especially with the removal of the start menu and start button. Microsoft has urged companies and businesses to not jump to Windows 8, and to stick with Windows 7 because of its efficiency. Windows 8 will not be a major release, and will just be Microsoft's entrance into the tablet and app market.
OR
Fallback Solution
Not everyone likes change. Radical change, such as the removal of the start menu and addition of a start screen, Metro interface, and Ribbon UI, will make it harder for those who are barely learning how to use Windows 7. Same with businesses. It takes more time and money to teach an entire organization how to use the new operating system, not to mention the cost and time it takes to deploy the upgrade. Microsoft should offer a fall-back solution which mimics the Windows 7 interface in some manner with slight (not drastic) changes. And put the start button and menu back!
Just because Windows 8 doesn't have the start menu, doesn't mean Windows Server 8 will not. Windows Server 8 needs the start menu to access tools and such, which may mean there is hope. Assuming Windows Server 8 keeps the start menu, Microsoft may even have the brains to actually make a certain version of Windows 8 (whether it be Enterprise or Professional/Ultimate) which allows the enabling/disabling of the start screen, start button, and start menu.
Whatever choices Microsoft makes in the development of Windows 8 makes it crucial to its placement as a minor/major release. Windows 7 was not a major release, but for many people it was a great successor to Windows XP and it annihilated Vista's bad karma. The company has repeatedly stated that this will be a single-sized operating system to rule them all, but how can you tailor the operating system towards tablets and not focus on the PC aspect as well? Microsoft can make Windows 8 a major release, but so far it looks like it will end up dead in the water.
VirtualLarry
No Lifer
- Aug 25, 2001
- 56,587
- 10,225
- 126
Wow. If they remove the Start menu, I don't know what to think. Probably that MS has gone brain-dead. If future Windows releases focus primarily on re-vamping the UI to be "new, hip, cool", rather than familiar and reliable, I will definately stop upgrading.
I want new technology in OSes, not new UIs.
Rhonda the Sly
Senior member
- Nov 22, 2007
- 818
- 4
- 76
Thats a funny article, it does a poor job of defining the 'major/minor' release idea but keeps coming back to it. At some points it seems to imply major as being a measurement of its financial success and at other times it describes major as a the number of visible changes. In the article he even wishfully says Microsoft could create an option to toggle those features on in specific versions of Windows. When have they done that? And why would they?
The statement that businesses should prioritize upgrading Windows XP systems to Windows 7 is sensible. They don't want to cannibalize current sales for a largely compatible release sometime in the future (I believe the statement was made a number of months ago). Also, does anyone have the source for Microsoft encouraging businesses to stick with Windows 7 over Windows 8?
The statement that businesses should prioritize upgrading Windows XP systems to Windows 7 is sensible. They don't want to cannibalize current sales for a largely compatible release sometime in the future (I believe the statement was made a number of months ago). Also, does anyone have the source for Microsoft encouraging businesses to stick with Windows 7 over Windows 8?
WhoBeDaPlaya
Diamond Member
- Sep 15, 2000
- 7,415
- 404
- 126
gmaster456
Golden Member
- Sep 7, 2011
- 1,877
- 0
- 71
For those who are unhappy with the way Windows 8 is shaping up, try Zorin OS. Its a linux distro that's essentially a Windows 7 clone. Or an OSX clone if you choose.
http://zorin-os.com/
Granted if you already have Windows 7, there isn't much point. This is for those on older versions of Windows or those who want a familiar experience on both Windows and Linux.
You can also have it look like
Windows Vista
Windows XP
and Windows 2000.
http://zorin-os.com/
Granted if you already have Windows 7, there isn't much point. This is for those on older versions of Windows or those who want a familiar experience on both Windows and Linux.
You can also have it look like
Windows Vista
Windows XP
and Windows 2000.
Last edited:
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