In the cyber world, where consumers are undeniably inclined towards touch-driven PCs and mobile devices, Microsoft has already understood the trend and has launched a touch-friendly OS in 2012. During the launch of Windows 8 operating system (OS), the company was quite sure that it will be adopted by a large segment of personal as well as gaming users. The tiled interface, close integration with cloud storage, excellent apps management, and touch-screen gestures had created significant leverage in the market about its arrival. But the present situation is quite different from what was expected by the company and its tech experts before the launch.
What all is this touch-enabled OS carrying your way?
Windows 8, a part of Windows NT family of operating systems, was launched as a personal computer OS developed by Microsoft. It is stated that the company has realized the need of a touch-enabled OS and has started the development of Windows 8 before the release of its predecessor. Announced at the CES 2011, the system software was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012 and was made available for edition based purchase on October 26, 2012.
Specifically designed for mobile devices and tablets, the operating system's platform and user interface (UI) induced the tech geeks to try this system software at once. Apart from being a close competitor to Android and iOS, this OS has created its separate identity because of its ‘Metro’ design language and the amazing Start screen, which presents updated content on a grid of tiles. The OS laid great emphasis on the touch-screen input and its integration with online services, and Windows Store.
The added support for USB 3.0, near field communications (NFC), and cloud computing took this software to another level by sidelining it from the common ones. Additional security features including built-in antivirus, and its integration with Microsoft SmartScreen Phishing filtering service safeguards a user while visiting infectious websites and applications. Its support for UEFI Secure Boot feature paired with UEFI firmware helps to prevent malware execution during the system boot process.
Why it was criticized?
Win 8 was neither fully rejected by the users nor it was highly appreciated by them. The reason behind this was the inability of users to learn or get accustomed to the new user interface (UI), which was quite confusing when used on a touch-screen device and keyboard/mouse separately. However, the OS gained immensely positive response for performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touch-screen devices. User’s reaction towards several features was positive, but the system software was not highly appreciated for being highly confusing and difficult to learn.
Statistics and current market position
Despite all those critics’ reviews and shortcomings, over 60 million Windows 8 licenses have been sold through till January 2013. The value includes both upgrades and sales to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for new PCs during the year 2012-2013. According to the reports published on NETMARKETSHARE, a unit of Net Applications - a web analytics firm, Windows 8 is currently holding 6.41% of the total OS market share. The proportion of the OS’s share is quite higher when compared with that of Mac OSX, Linux, and Windows Vista.
For users who have yet to experience Windows 8, the OS is best described as equipped with a touch user interface, but unfortunately that only works fine with touch-screen devices. Claimed to be functional on both desktops and touch enabled devices, the operating system has different features in both the modes that might confuse a user, having hands on both of the devices.
How different Windows 8 is from its predecessors?
The Start menu and the familiar desktop looks were replaced by a Start screen, which consists of a grid of tiles displaying the latest updates of the app. These touchable/clickable tiles allow a user to directly access that particular program right from the Start screen, just by tapping on it. The operating system will not appear challenging to those who have already encountered a Smartphone or tablet, as its interface and touch-capabilities are quite similar to them
The prior versions of system software from Microsoft were designed for a traditional PC and its comprising tower, however, Win 8 changed the picture by favoring more intuitive touch-screen interfaces. Claimed to be compatible with both touch-screen devices and ordinary PCs, the OS wasn’t welcomed in the way the company had planned and anticipated. Often coined as one of the most confusing software developed by Microsoft, even today this OS doesn’t hold a strong market position.
After receiving large number of grievances from the users about the missing Start button, confusing tiled interface, and performance related issues, the company decided to release a fix for the same. Launched in October 2013, Windows 8.1 is an update offered to existing Windows 8 OS and is considered as an evolution in the OS market. Offering excellent SkyDrive integration, the upgrade carries more ways that can help you to personalize your PC. The freely downloadable update makes your working machine more advanced, performance oriented, and equipped with a modern outlook. Presently, most of the users have installed this update on their devices and are experiencing better performance and productivity, which was previously missing with Windows 8.
As a conclusion of the above discussion, it can be simply made out that the OS that was launched last year can’t be applauded as a user friendly application at least for desktop or non-touch users, but after the update and launch of Windows 8.1 things have certainly improved. The opinion of users is now swinging towards the Windows OS and market is giving signals of recovery in the Windows market share.
