Windows 8 is probably ok on a tablet, although I am still curious to see how a tiny tablet with minimal verntilation and questionable battery life copes when running an intensive desktop application.
Also, at $999 + $120 for keyboard, they have to be rich novice...
Most of these figures are for sales to OEM manufacturers who probably already signed the deal to buy Windows 8 before they knew anything about it. Then you have companies buying W8 license inventories. Microsoft can sell millions of licenses like this without farting, because they are Microsoft.
Now we are down to people buying new laptops which come with Windows 8 licenses, many of whom will have downgraded it to Windows 7 (yes, you can do that). And finally, of all those who have bought Windows 8 for their PC and kept it, how many are "luvvin it" really? Most have reservations, and probably only about half (or less) think it's wonderful. But I bet by now we're down to 10 million if that. Of course, in February the Surface Pro comes into play so that will keep the numbers running. Success will depend much on that device, in my opinion.
But just in case anyone has forgotten, a solemn reminder. Windows 8 is the first step towards a closed OS platform. It's been changed architectually to deprecate the desktop, and to try and force users to use the tiles and therefore the Microsoft cloud services available in the App Store. Ok, we can still use the desktop now but what about the next version? Windows 9 or Windows 10? If you value the freedom to develop, and to install what you want on your PC, without being answerable to a large, greedy corporation who only want to take your money, then it's time to protest now!!
You have hit the nail right on the head. It's refreshing to find comments like yours, people who actually see through it all and see where Microsoft are heading. Microsoft aren't stupid enough to try to do it all in one go, because people would rebel, but they'll be pushing for it bit by bit, deprecating the desktop with each subsequent version until it's too late, until developers lose interest. Just as you say.
They pulled exactly the same stunt with Microsoft Flight Simulator, by axing the development team and then bringing out a closed platform version of the simulator called "Flight", which had been dumbed down and had all the scenery removed. Microsoft's intention was to then sell it, piecemeal through GFWL. It was an utter flop, a perfect example of Microsoft's failure to understand it's customers.
I'm so glad that people like Notch and Newell come out in public against Microsoft. Microsoft just want to monopolise everything but in the end it seems that these stunts always backfire.
Yes, but I think he's concerned about where Microsoft are heading to with this, as we all should be. Especially if we like indie games and the concept of indie games.
Actually, Notch want's to make a statement, and he has. he never intended Minecraft to be the success it is anyway. You might love Windows 8, but it seems that for every person who's "luvvin it" there's at least another person who hates it. I hate it.
Jason210's comments