Next Microsoft OS "Windows Blue" leaked online

[Amaris]

I don't know why people complain about Windows 8. I set my computer up in about half an hour and it was just as functional as Windows 7. I installed Classic Shell as a precaution but actually found myself using the start menu less.

It's not so much that Win8 is bad, but that it represents an ideological shift in Microsoft that's moving towards closed systems. You said it yourself, desktop mode in Win8 is not fully functional by default, to get the same sort of functionality as Win7 you have to download third party software. The OS by default tries to get you to use the new Start screen, and to use Modern apps that you can only purchase from the Windows Store. I'm sure Win8 has plenty of new stuff that makes it a worthwhile upgrade for you, the new task manager and file transfer UI's are particularly nice. But for me, and curmudgeons like me, I don't want to reward Microsoft with my money for moving in a direction I don't want them to go down, and as a consumer I can only vote with my wallet.

Right on the money, though I do find the Metro interface to be less than intuitive.

This is Microsoft making change for change's sake. There's no reason not to have the Start menu in the classic desktop other than to force me to go in a direction in which I have no need to go.

 

[JoeZhang]

That is a terrible name. That just makes me think of blue screen of death. A whole operating system based around the BSOD.

Probably part of the naming scheme that brought us Windows Azure.

Now, the look ahead. With a remarkable foundation of products in market and a clear view of how we will evolve the company, product leaders across Microsoft are working together on plans to advance our devices and services, a set of plans referred to internally as “Blue.” - N.B. chances of products being named thusly are slim to none. And don’t start with the “so you’re telling me there’s a chance” bit.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/03/26/looking-back-and-springing-ahead.aspx

 

[Sector 7]

Microsoft: taking their best OS ever, and abandoning it for a completely shit business strategy.

Windows 7, cold dead hands, yada yada.

I agree fully. I have:
- Dell Dimension 2350 desktop running Windows XP
- Sony VAIO laptop running Windows 7, upgraded from the crapfest a.k.a. Vista
- Acer Aspire running Windows 7

I refuse to take advantage of the $14.95 Windows 8 "upgrade", choosing instead to vote with my wallet.

MS wants to find the next iOS marketing hit, but I choose not to join the bandwagon. Not everyone wants a tablet, especially on their PC or laptop.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

That is a terrible name. That just makes me think of blue screen of death. A whole operating system based around the BSOD.

Probably part of the naming scheme that brought us Windows Azure.

Now, the look ahead. With a remarkable foundation of products in market and a clear view of how we will evolve the company, product leaders across Microsoft are working together on plans to advance our devices and services, a set of plans referred to internally as “Blue.” - N.B. chances of products being named thusly are slim to none. And don’t start with the “so you’re telling me there’s a chance” bit.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/03/26/looking-back-and-springing-ahead.aspx

Oh, I meant as a code name not as an actual product name.

 

[bbailey861]

We all run laptops in this house with Windows 7. Debating on a new one with a larger screen - touchscreen this time, and windows 8. I've been playing with it and like what I see.

 

[JoeZhang]

Rafael and I originally intended to write post this morning revealing that the official name of Windows 8 “Blue” will be Windows 8.1. But we got scooped. So now we can at least confirm this information is correct.

Mary Jo Foley beat us to the punch with Microsoft's Windows Blue looks to be named Windows 8.1 on ZDNet this morning. We’ve been MJF’d!

Anyway, she is correct: Windows 8 Blue will be officially named Windows 8.1. (And as noted in the first leaked build, the actual version number internally is 6.3.) And since there’s not a heck of a lot more to say about that, here’s an original screenshot.

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-s-clues-blue-windows-81

 

[Deimos Anomaly]

That is a terrible name. That just makes me think of blue screen of death. A whole operating system based around the BSOD.

That was my first thought as well. It's like they've finally decided to make their OS name a self parody.

 

[Amaris]

First, there is a clear move to emphasize Metro over the desktop. If you had any hope that the firm was listening to the increasingly shrill complaints from the desktop crowd and would offer any form of concession at all, there is zero evidence of that in this build. Blue build 9364 is all about Metro or, more concisely, about removing the need to use the desktop as much as was required in the original release of Windows 8. It’s still a hybrid OS, of course, with both Metro and desktop “personalities.” But the desktop personality is being shunted further off to the side. Those who think this won’t continue over subsequent releases are delusional. Think about the command line in Windows over the years. That’s the desktop.

The rest is here.

I was really hoping they'd concede somewhat to desktop users, but apparently, their largest user base isn't important anymore in the face of tablets becoming far more numerous.