30 replies to this topic 3 votes

[JJ_]

Microsoft is busy preparing its next-generation Windows client, shortly after shipping Windows 8 in October. The Verge has learned from several sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that the company is planning to standardize on an approach, codenamed Blue, across Windows and Windows Phone in an effort to provide more regular updates to consumers.

Originally unveiled by ZDNet, the update on the Windows side, due in mid-2013, will include UI changes and alterations to the entire platform and pricing. We’re told that Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Blue the next OS that everyone installs. The approach is simple, Microsoft will price its next Windows release at a low cost or even free to ensure users upgrade. Once Windows Blue is released, the Windows SDK will be updated to support the new release and Microsoft will stop accepting apps that are built specifically for Windows 8, pushing developers to create apps for Blue. Windows 8 apps will continue to run on Blue despite the planned SDK changes.

Yearly upgrades will be the norm for Windows soon

We understand that you will need a genuine copy of Windows to upgrade to Windows Blue. Built-in apps and the Windows Store will cease functioning if a copy is upgraded that is pirated. Sources tell us that Microsoft will likely keep the Windows 8 name for the foreseeable future, despite the Windows Blue update. A big part of Windows Blue is the push towards yearly updates for Microsoft’s OS. Microsoft will kick off an annual upgrade cycle for Windows that is designed to make it more competitive against rival platforms from Apple and Google.

We reached out to Microsoft for comment, however a company spokesperson refused to discuss Windows Blue.

Source: http://theverge.com/...update-low-cost

UI change, sounds interesting. Perhaps Microsoft have finally got the message that desktop consumers don't want a tablet UI.

[TPreston]

Its funny that you jump to the conclusion that they're killing metro

[JJ_]

I don't see why a desktop UI and metro can't work in harmony. If the story is too be believed, a mid 2013 update seems pretty rushed.

[MorganX]

JJ_, on 28 November 2012 - 22:49, said:

I don't see why a desktop UI and metro can't work in harmony. If the story is too be believed, a mid 2013 update seems pretty rushed.

If the story is to be believed, then they're not putting as many resources into fixing the current release as I'm sure we would all like.

[MidTxWRX]

Windows 8 (8.0)
Windows 8 Blue (8.1)
Windows 8 Red (8.2)
Windows 8 Yellow (8.3)
Windows 8 Green (8.4)
Could maybe keep going with different colors up to 8.9... but if they're gonna release one per year and provide a complete upgrade to a new OS within about 5 years, then they'll just stop at 8.4 and move to 9.0. ....just a guess.

Windows 9
Windows 9 Blue
Windows 9 Red
Windows 9 Yellow
Windows 9 Green

[Aethec]

One of the most important things Microsoft has to do right now is a WinRT desktop, and more WinRT APIs to kill Win32. If they figure out a way to virtualize Win32 apps, they can then switch the OS to a completely different one (Midori) and apps won't notice.

[MidTxWRX]

MorganX, on 28 November 2012 - 23:02, said:

If the story is to be believed, then they're not putting as many resources into fixing the current release as I'm sure we would all like.

Windows 8 Blue will be an extension to Windows 8. Probably like a service pack but with added features.

[Stoffel]

My guess is that it will be free for Win8 users and the usual price for anybody else, maybe still around $40 to make sure everybody switches
I read somewhere they are working to make the start screen more customizable, like WP8, more different tile sizes,...

I think the SDK change will be just an update to the new Metro API, after all it's only a v1.0 release, we should be happy if they upgrade this as much as possible
There is no way they are going to make people get used to yet another API after this reboot with Win8, like some are thinking

[pack34]

JJ_, on 28 November 2012 - 22:49, said:

I don't see why a desktop UI and metro can't work in harmony. If the story is too be believed, a mid 2013 update seems pretty rushed.

Not if they are planning yearly point releases in between major ones.

[Buzz99]

Changes will happens 22/12/2012...

JJ_, on 28 November 2012 - 22:49, said:

I don't see why a desktop UI and metro can't work in harmony. If the story is too be believed, a mid 2013 update seems pretty rushed.

No, we must choose wich we want to use. Hybrid OS is just something made not to loose money for Microsoft.

[Growled]

Quote

Yearly upgrades will be the norm for Windows soon

Me and a billion other business folks ain't going to approve of that.

[pack34]

Growled, on 29 November 2012 - 01:09, said:

Me and a billion other business folks ain't going to approve of that.

If application compatibility doesn't break, who cares?

[Skin]

pack34, on 29 November 2012 - 01:12, said:

If application compatibility doesn't break, who cares?

doesn't matter. legacy and regression testing will still take place, and most companies don't like to be on the bleeding edge anymore. Those yearly updates will be rolled out the following year or two in medium-larger companies....and even skipping whole years to keep budget (for testing and maintenance fees) down...effectively defeating MS's reasons for doing this.

[Growled]

Skin, on 29 November 2012 - 01:26, said:

doesn't matter. legacy and regression testing will still take place, and most companies don't like to be on the bleeding edge anymore. Those yearly updates will be rolled out the following year or two in medium-larger companies....and even skipping whole years to keep budget (for testing and maintenance fees) down...effectively defeating MS's reasons for doing this.

Agreed. And updating thousands of computers plus retraining and testing is going to be a nightmare. Heck, it might be cheaper and easier to move to a Mac.

[Stoffel]

Growled, on 29 November 2012 - 01:33, said:

Agreed. And updating thousands of computers plus retraining and testing is going to be a nightmare. Heck, it might be cheaper and easier to move to a Mac.

Why would it be cheaper/better to move to mac? They also have OS updates every year? What would be the difference?