They tried a half-hearted update called Windows 8.1 to appease users who didn’t have touch screens, or tablets, or smartphones, and who wanted a traditional desktop version of Windows. Microsoft’s one-size-fits-all, let’s-charge-$100+ for Windows strategies are not working so well anymore in a world that has, for the most part, left Microsoft eating dust.
Windows 8 has raised havoc with PC sales which declined in the 4th quarter of 2013 — the 4th quarter is traditionally the strongest sales period for PCs. More and more people are moving to Apple or hanging onto Windows 7 computers or older versions of Windows — even Windows XP users, 12 years after its release are hanging on tight to Windows XP.
Some of our readers think these folks are hanging on because they dislike change. One person hanging on to an older version of Windows happens to be me — and I embrace change — but only beneficial and useful change and there’s nothing in Windows 8 that I can’t live without and much I would rather live without. If Microsoft would release and operating system superior to Windows 7, I would be the first to embrace it; Windows 8.1 is not superior to Windows 7 — in fact it is Windows 7 with a few new features and a lot of superficial changes.
You are free to like what you like – and you may be in love with Windows 8, but the vast majority of consumers are not — and businesses aren’t interested in touchscreens or tiled interfaces – they’re interested in productivity…
As I predicted when Windows 8 was first introduced, Microsoft has a loser on its hands – and it better start listening to its customers or it will end of like the Big Three car makers who thought they were too big to fail and laughed at their Japanese and Korean competitors (much like Microsoft makes fun of Google in its recent TV ad campaign). Instead of making fun, Microsoft should be learning and listening…and finally it appears they might be listening even if they don’t like what they’re hearing.
This article from Mashable caught my eye, and I think it will catch yours too:
Microsoft May Be Getting Ready for an Epic Windows 8.1 Flip-Flop
It looks like Microsoft is ready to cry uncle on Windows 8. Since its launch in fall 2012, Windows 8 (and later 8.1) has defaulted to show the Start screen — the touch-friendly modern environment — first. Now, a pair of reports suggests Microsoft will soon update Windows to launch into the traditional desktop.
It looks like Microsoft is ready to cry uncle on Windows 8. Since its launch in fall 2012, Windows 8 (and later 8.1) has defaulted to show the Start screen — the touch-friendly modern environment — first. Now, a pair of reports suggests Microsoft will soon update Windows to launch into the traditional desktop.
Screenshots of the supposed Windows 8.1 update for 2014 appeared on a Russian website, reported by Business Insider, and the person who posted them claims that, after installation, the new OS boots into the desktop. The Verge claims to haveconfirmed the findings, with sources revealing the forthcoming update will indeed make the desktop the default.
See also: The Problem With Windows 8
If true, the move would represent an about-face on Windows 8/8.1, if not an altogether surprising one. Even before it officially launched, Windows 8 has been criticized for its bifurcated approach to computing, delivering both a traditional computing environment for mouse-and-keyboard setups as well as touch-friendly interface on the same machine.
In Windows 8.1, Microsoft introduced new features intended to appease critics, such as the option to make the desktop the default, the ability to share the same desktop backgroundbetween the desktop and modern environments, and the infamous return of the Start button.
Critics still hammered Microsoft for misguided strategy, and the update did nothing to slow the the decline of the PC market, which fell 6.4% in the fall quarter.
I cannot believe the complaining attitude of those exposed to Windows 8/8.1 – including Infoave. I suspect that most of the whingers have not taken the trouble to learn any thing about the two systems. They have just so many exciting changes under the bonnet e.g auto backup, auto maintenance, tile features for productivity (funnily enough including Windows 8/8.1tutorials!). I could go on and on. I am 80 years old and have found 8/8.1 a dream to learn, use and teach. Come to our senior classes and we will have you comfortable and competent in about 15 minutes. Microsoft did a poor marketing job.
PS If you think Windows is bad just Google ‘issues with new Apple iOS’.
It seems to me that they had one of the best Windows programs that out did all the others and it was Windows XP!! They should have just went and improved on it rather then going to something so bad as Windows 8 & 8.1. I wish they would come out with a Windows like XP. I would buy it in a heartbeat!! There is a old saying “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”
Personally, I don’t have a problem with Windows 8. I’m also a senior. But I have to agree with you that if no one is buying it, you better get busy and build something that will sell. In fact, sells like hotcakes.