8 successful 'test' questions, defeat Windows 8

Windows 8, the latest operating system has just been announced by Microsoft, is a big gamble with software giants. Technology seems to be excited with the new software, but does it bring money to Microsoft, and can it avoid the fate of a Vista 2.0?

Here are 8 important questions that impact on the success and failure of this gamble by Microsoft.

1. When are users 'hand-in-hand' Windows 8?

Despite being talked about a lot in the past week, even the official Windows 8 launch schedule is not available. This is a disappointment, although Windows 8 makes the tech world very excited. Sure, you can try the preview of Windows 8 right away, but real users still have a hard time figuring out what the final version will be. Microsoft's chief executive Steve Ballmer said Windows 8 is expected to come out sometime in 2012. Will the enthusiasm and interest in Windows 8 last until then?

2. How much will Windows 8 cost? Is it easy to install?

The Lion OS X operating system of the Mac - though not a "overhaul" like Windows 8 compared to its predecessor - costs $ 30, takes half an hour to install and does not cause any difficulties during the installation process. . Is Windows 8 easier, faster and cheaper than other operating system products? Now Windows 7 can be installed from Microsoft's website, but Microsoft does not seem to recommend this option, nor does it discount the price of $ 120 they charge for Windows 7 Home Premium.

Does Microsoft change your mind and let people download Windows 8 in a digital way faster, easier, and more affordable? If they don't give in, do retailers better move their users?

3. Does Metro View and Desktop View have 'public teams'?

Currently, Windows 8 has both a Desktop design interface (traditional Windows interface with boot bar and icons) and Metro design (friendly design of tablets and touch screens). Both designs will be available on every version of Windows 8 for PC, and users can switch between the two, between applications built for Metro and the desktop application.

Early tests showed that they were not really interesting. The transition between Metro and Desktop is not natural; The existence of both different user interfaces on a machine arises as to whether Windows 8 is really smooth? Microsoft needs to clarify these things, and do it quickly. If Microsoft can't, Windows 8 is likely to become Vista 2.0.

4. Does anyone design applications for Widows 8?

On August 31, Windows Marketplace for Windows Phone reached 30,000 applications. It sounds like a lot, but Android Market has over 200,000 apps and iTunes has over 425,000 apps. Of course, Windows Phone is just a smartphone operating system, and it has less than 6% market share. Unlike Windows 8, it is the computer operating system and currently holds about 90% of the desktop market share.

At the BUILD Conference, Microsoft made great efforts to encourage easy application writing for Metro, as well as offering many developer support tools. But is everything bright?

5. Does Microsoft sell any tablets?

Microsoft is still at a big disadvantage, as the iPad dominates the tablet market and Android products are gaining the attention of users. Microsoft will have to win customers from the two competitors. Declaring Internet Explorer 10 browser for Windows 8 does not support Flash may mean that Microsoft has taken into account the plugins that cause energy loss.

The combination of long battery life, well-known brands and good user experience can be good for Microsoft to convince users to buy Windows 8 tablets. If not, what happens? Even when CEO Ballmer admits that Windows Phone sales are disappointing, it's hard to avoid that thought for tablet sales.

6. What will be the next generation of Apple software?

Mac came to Lion at the end of July 2011, at which time Windows 8 was ready to announce. But now Apple will have up to 17 months to respond to Windows 8. Lion has integrated iOS features, including some of the most commonly used features. The next version will probably have many improvements.

An analyst who said iOS and Mac will be fully merged by the end of 2012. Will Apple with its own tablet operating system, make Microsoft once again 'smoke'?

7. Will users buy touch screen PC?

Windows 8 promises strong touch features support. But face the truth: who will buy the touch screen PC. At present, touch PC is much more expensive than non-touch models. Will the public be willing to pay more money (especially in times of recession) to buy touch products? It seems, touch PC is still considered a luxury item, so does Windows 8 change this mindset? Or will the price of touch screen PC decrease?

Meanwhile, tablets, according to the most optimistic predictions, take 3 years to become the main computer device. Microsoft bet on Windows 8 and Metro, it will have to be confident that consumers will soon come to touch screen desktops, or that the manufacturer will deploy touch technology on all screens. in the next year.

8. Do businesses accept Windows 8?

Big source of Microsoft is business software. On this playground, the company is still leading Apple with 90% market share. However, businesses have been hesitant to update Windows, even on Windows 7. It is not until April 2011, 10 years after Windows XP was born, Windows 7 just passed Windows XP in terms of market share.

One of the obstacles with touch screen devices and tablets is that they are not very effective, there is no physical mouse and keyboard, more difficult to type, use spreadsheets and word processing programs. even more difficult, handling thousands of emails and managing dozens of website cards slower. Windows 8 - particularly emphasis on touch support and Metro interface - will it add value to the business?