Related News
Microsoft opens new Windows
Source: Agencies |
September 14, 2011, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
Microsoft Corp yesterday handed out sleek new tablet computers with a test version of Windows 8 at its annual developer conference in Anaheim, California, to spark excitement over its new operating system.
The devices are the first chance for people outside Microsoft to play with Windows 8, the code name for its next system that includes features tailored for touchscreens and tablets. The company is betting the new system will stem the tide of consumers switching to Apple Inc's iPad.
Microsoft, whose software still runs more than 90 percent of personal computers, needs the new system to appeal to developers in the hope they will create thousands of applications to attract users.
At the same time, it needs to lure a younger, tech-savvy audience and halt the march of Apple devices into Microsoft's business market, analysts said.
"Kids today are seeing more Apple logos than Microsoft logos, and Microsoft needs to change that if they are going to continue being the force that they have been," said Michael Silver, an analyst at tech research firm Gartner who was at the conference.
"If you look at where Apple is successful, it's from consumers who have more power to bring in what they use at home to the business," said Silver. "That's important for Microsoft to go after, to get this fixed."
Tablet makers are expected to start selling products with Windows 8 in the middle of next year at the earliest.
The new system boots up in seconds and features a home page filled with colorful tiles taking the user directly into applications such as Facebook, messaging or news feeds.
Windows unit chief Steven Sinofsky said the new operating system is the first to focus on applications - it will contain an online app store for the first time - reflecting the way people use computers, tablets and smartphones.
He said tablets running Windows 8 will be able to connect easily to printers, cameras and other devices. Windows 8 will also work on PCs with regular mouse and keyboard commands.
Sinofsky - who called the free tablet distributed at the conference "not an iPad" - emphasized it was a development machine only, and will not appear in stores.
The devices are the first chance for people outside Microsoft to play with Windows 8, the code name for its next system that includes features tailored for touchscreens and tablets. The company is betting the new system will stem the tide of consumers switching to Apple Inc's iPad.
Microsoft, whose software still runs more than 90 percent of personal computers, needs the new system to appeal to developers in the hope they will create thousands of applications to attract users.
At the same time, it needs to lure a younger, tech-savvy audience and halt the march of Apple devices into Microsoft's business market, analysts said.
"Kids today are seeing more Apple logos than Microsoft logos, and Microsoft needs to change that if they are going to continue being the force that they have been," said Michael Silver, an analyst at tech research firm Gartner who was at the conference.
"If you look at where Apple is successful, it's from consumers who have more power to bring in what they use at home to the business," said Silver. "That's important for Microsoft to go after, to get this fixed."
Tablet makers are expected to start selling products with Windows 8 in the middle of next year at the earliest.
The new system boots up in seconds and features a home page filled with colorful tiles taking the user directly into applications such as Facebook, messaging or news feeds.
Windows unit chief Steven Sinofsky said the new operating system is the first to focus on applications - it will contain an online app store for the first time - reflecting the way people use computers, tablets and smartphones.
He said tablets running Windows 8 will be able to connect easily to printers, cameras and other devices. Windows 8 will also work on PCs with regular mouse and keyboard commands.
Sinofsky - who called the free tablet distributed at the conference "not an iPad" - emphasized it was a development machine only, and will not appear in stores.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
