[currentodysseys]

Yes, that's exactly what I expect: the ability to run desktop applications. Let's not kid ourselves: desktop applications are orders magnitude better than smartphone apps, thanks to the fact that desktop generally can be upgraded in parts and/or are connected to heavy-duty batteries (in case of laptop or UPS). Take, for example, Autodesk and Adobe applications. Unless I can run those, I don't see a compelling reason to be hyped with the "universal Windows".

Windows 8 was supposed to be one-step closer to that with Microsoft Surface, and it basically ruins desktop experience with tablet-centric navigation. An OS that fits well with desktop, tablet, and smartphone is an OS that is a force to be reckoned with. Heck, maybe I'll buy one so I can play Skyrim on the go

Z10 STL100-1/10.2.1.3247

I agree with you 100%. And the issue you mention about battery life is something I am pondering on. What would be the average battery life on a phone using windows9...?

On the other hand, I so much not like the UI of windows8, let alone some coding problems that have appeared. As I stated, I have precisely switched to Mac OS for stability and pure practical reasons. Now I have to use a virtual machine to run some windows only apps and some work related certificates but not a fan at all anymore.

I seriously think though that the potential on W9 as they describe it will be really big due to the apps as you mentioned. If they work out practical and stability issues, I sure may be tempted to seriously consider it as an alternative, since it would solve a series of problems on my mobility vs efficiency tech set up. Up to now, BB is what best serves me in that respect though and I am sticking with my Q10 (or maybe passport this fall) for now. I would like to see BB10 integrated if the windows scenario plays out though.

PS: Skyrim rules hahah.

[Playbookjoe]

It goes even further.
I was reading the windows road map yesterday and one of the items slated to come out is 'windows in the cloud '.
For devices with not enough power full apps will be run on azure delivering full desktop abilities on any device.
This basically renders qnet useless.

Posted via CB10

[Playbookjoe]

Well keep imaging as x86 program's will never run on an ARM device. Unless completely rewritten for them.

Posted via CB10

They don't have to be. They're run as a service.

Posted via CB10

[Playbook007]

Never will work. Desktop power and a mobile phone are world's apart. Also Windows 8 is absolutely a complete fail. At work, I need a work machine. Not a stupid app interface.

Posted via CB10

[Raestloz]

I agree with you 100%. And the issue you mention about battery life is something I am pondering on. What would be the average battery life on a phone using windows9...?

On the other hand, I so much not like the UI of windows8, let alone some coding problems that have appeared. As I stated, I have precisely switched to Mac OS for stability and pure practical reasons. Now I have to use a virtual machine to run some windows only apps and some work related certificates but not a fan at all anymore.

I seriously think though that the potential on W9 as they describe it will be really big due to the apps as you mentioned. If they work out practical and stability issues, I sure may be tempted to seriously consider it as an alternative, since it would solve a series of problems on my mobility vs efficiency tech set up. Up to now, BB is what best serves me in that respect though and I am sticking with my Q10 (or maybe passport this fall) for now. I would like to see BB10 integrated if the windows scenario plays out though.

PS: Skyrim rules hahah.

If a Windows 9 (assuming it can run actual desktop programs) smartphone is running on a 3500mah battery, the average life time would be about 1 hour :lol: because people are running Steam, so the little kids can finally cuss on the way to school when they got shot by a competent player in Call of Modern Honor 8: Medal of Battle Combat

On a more serious note, you may want to look at nVIDIA Shield for a rough estimate. It's a device dedicated for playing games and considering that the only REAL good reason to run such a universal OS is so we can finally code / sculpt 3d model / process image edits, that'd be the kind of battery we would need at the very least.

Perhaps with advancement in battery technology we're stepping closer to finally running desktop on our device. Seriously it's something we should have gotten: Adobe Photoshop CS5 only asks for 1.8 GHz dual core CPU and 512MB of RAM with 1024x768 display. Z10 is only 0.3GHz short, I was expecting the rise of mobile specs to finally allow us to run desktop, but so far it's been untrue. I'm no engineer so I don't know just what is the difference between ARM and the general desktop CPU architecture, but really, isn't that why Intel has Atom product line?



Z10 STL100-1/10.2.1.3247

[AndrewMBaines]

They're not offering a unified OS, they're offering a unified programming interface. That is, an application written using the single API will run on all the platforms. That's not the same as a unified OS, and it certainly doesn't mean you'll be able to run x86 applications on your phone.

In the MS appstore, you already see a special logo for apps that work on all platforms.

Yes, it's a great idea, but it's not what you're all discussing.

For the record, I run Windows 8.1 here and have a Nokia Lumia 520 (the cheap one with a removable battery). Only area of integration I really use is the excellent OneDrive stuff that lets me share files so easily without 3rd party apps. Certainly nothing unique about that though.

Yes, I'd like a keyboard too!

[currentodysseys]

They're not offering a unified OS, they're offering a unified programming interface. That is, an application written using the single API will run on all the platforms. That's not the same as a unified OS, and it certainly doesn't mean you'll be able to run x86 applications on your phone.

In the MS appstore, you already see a special logo for apps that work on all platforms.

Yes, it's a great idea, but it's not what you're all discussing.

For the record, I run Windows 8.1 here and have a Nokia Lumia 520 (the cheap one with a removable battery). Only area of integration I really use is the excellent OneDrive stuff that lets me share files so easily without 3rd party apps. Certainly nothing unique about that though.

Yes, I'd like a keyboard too!

Thank you for the point on the actual OS change and single API. What the article reads is:

"We will streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes

."He explained, "In the past we had multiple teams working on different versions of Windows. Now we have one team with a common architecture. This allows us to scale, create Universal Windows Apps."

So I understand they will be working on a core structure / architecture. To me (as a non specialist, consumer) reads "unified OS". Please can you explain if the article is misinterpreted, blurry or something is being portrayed wrong there?
I would certainly appreciate a clarification if you can, given that it seems that the phrasing of the article, leaves us with another impression (at least myself).

Thanks again!

[AndrewMBaines]

Think of it as layers of abstraction - you'd develop a unified application for the top level abstraction - that's the unified bit. Same as writing for Java - write once, run anywhere (in theory any way).
It doesn't mean the phone is going to be running x86 apps. For that you'd need to run some sort of processor emulation and I'm pretty sure my little Nokia isn't up to that.

Looks like MS marketing team got a bit confused about the technicalities (again).

[currentodysseys]

Think of it as layers of abstraction - you'd develop a unified application for the top level abstraction - that's the unified bit. Same as writing for Java - write once, run anywhere (in theory any way).
It doesn't mean the phone is going to be running x86 apps. For that you'd need to run some sort of processor emulation and I'm pretty sure my little Nokia isn't up to that.

Looks like MS marketing team got a bit confused about the technicalities (again).

Well, that is forums for you! Thanks again, it really is a HUGE way between what I understood in the article and the picture you have just drawn here... sincerely appreciate all the clarifications!

Still, with the cloud based apps as mentioned in other comments and with universal coding, it is a development in IT to ponder on I think! Sure not of the magnitude posed prior to your clarifiction, but still, I think lots of the comercial and practical added value factors remain in the scenario as corrected?

What does this all mean for developers then and how might it shift consumer behaviour? Any thoughts/ opinions to share?

Thanks!

Posted via CB10

[AndrewMBaines]

Still the problem that the universal apps (used to be called Metro, now Modern) only run in full screen, or the odd split screen. That's fine on a tablet or phone, but not so good on a PC with multiple screens.
Not sure how much impact it will have on businesses, could be good for consumers.
Microsoft's cloud story looks great, I must admit.
Tablet's are too expensive at the moment, but looking better. Just need more apps (bit lake BB)

[Raestloz]

They're not offering a unified OS, they're offering a unified programming interface. That is, an application written using the single API will run on all the platforms. That's not the same as a unified OS, and it certainly doesn't mean you'll be able to run x86 applications on your phone.

In the MS appstore, you already see a special logo for apps that work on all platforms.

Yes, it's a great idea, but it's not what you're all discussing.

For the record, I run Windows 8.1 here and have a Nokia Lumia 520 (the cheap one with a removable battery). Only area of integration I really use is the excellent OneDrive stuff that lets me share files so easily without 3rd party apps. Certainly nothing unique about that though.

Yes, I'd like a keyboard too!

I do not see the difference here. Like I said: customers, details are unimportant.

You're basically saying "dude, they're not making one-Windows-for-all, only code-once-run-on-all-version-of-Windows"

Unless Microsoft starts making Windows Micro, Windows Standard and Windows Enterprise each of which supports a subset of Unified Windows API, they'll all end up being the same thing.

After all, you do not target a certain CPU architecture when you code in C, that thing is dealt with by the OS and compiler

Z10 STL100-1/10.2.1.3247

[AndrewMBaines]

The important detail is that x86 apps won't be running on a phone.

[Raestloz]

The important detail is that x86 apps won't be running on a phone.

You're trying to focus on unimportant detail.

You specifically mention "x86 apps", yet I have never encountered any programming practices that specifically target x86 architecture. Every programming practices I encounter start with the compiler, the compiler determines where the program can run.

If this whole "Universal Windows API" allows the compiler to also target ARM, what difference will it make?

Edit: someone will inevitably bring up the whole assembly thing so I'd like to point out that complex programs worthy of getting excited about (such as the whole Autodesk suite) is not programmed in assembly

Z10 STL100-1/10.2.1.3247

[lift]

Never will work. Desktop power and a mobile phone are world's apart. Also Windows 8 is absolutely a complete fail. At work, I need a work machine. Not a stupid app interface.

Posted via CB10

Wow. Perfectly said.

[Granrey]

At the end of the day I'm surprised Microsoft took so long on this. Windows was supposed to run in all your devices (tv, fridge, stove, etc).

I used to think BlackBerry was going to reach that at some point with its own laptop, pc, phone, etc. Pretty much what apple is today.

It's a shame we live in a apple, Microsoft, Google world. Rather than a blackberry world.



Posted via CB10

[AndrewMBaines]

At the end of the day I'm surprised Microsoft took so long on this. Windows was supposed to run in all your devices (tv, fridge, stove, etc).

Microsoft came very close to achieving that - most ATMs still run Windows XP (modified version). When I sign for a parcel, there's a good chance they device I sign on is running Windows CE.
MS missed out by focussing on handheld devices that needed to use a stylus. When Apple brought out the first iPhone the big think they fixed was the previously poor accuracy of a capacitive screen. MS were still stuck on resistive screens that needed a stylus to work properly.

[igor10000]

...or maybe we will see a BlackBerry component sandboxing a BlackBerry environment add on on a windows OS machine in order to take advantage of BlackBerry solutions on enterprise-personal space? I see this as a really plausible scenario if MS and BlackBerry would be willing to explore such roadmap. In a way it is what BES is doing and BBM is an example of such app as potential solutions BlackBerry would offer...? what will all this mean for bb10 operated devices though?

Posted via CB10

I would like to see the opposite: sandboxed windows component on my BlackBerry to be able to run windows software I need for my job from/on my BlackBerry.


Posted via CB10

[arlene_t]

I had a nokia lumia 520 phone. It was the most beautiful looking phone and the size was just right at that time. I didn't like the virtual keyboard and I think something was wrong with the sensor as everytime I do calls it would end the call. Very annoying.

With this news they will probably turn heads especially if they can do it right. That would probably make me look Windows again. We'll have to see...

via Q10

[currentodysseys]

I would like to see the opposite: sandboxed windows component on my BlackBerry to be able to run windows software I need for my job from/on my BlackBerry.


Posted via CB10

Me too I d like to see it like that but being realistic, unfortunately I doubt it would be "windows in BlackBerry" scenario.

Posted via CB10

[12Danny123]

Still the problem that the universal apps (used to be called Metro, now Modern) only run in full screen, or the odd split screen. That's fine on a tablet or phone, but not so good on a PC with multiple screens.
Not sure how much impact it will have on businesses, could be good for consumers.
Microsoft's cloud story looks great, I must admit.
Tablet's are too expensive at the moment, but looking better. Just need more apps (bit lake BB)

Windows 9 is rumoured to get metro apps run on desktop. Its also rumoured that Windows 9 is rumoured to come to Windows 7 and windows 8 for free. If MS makes this happen. Then Itll no doubt change the game in the industry for apps

[last_attempt]

Alot of the technical stuff is over my head but if dell can get a full blown
desktop version of windows into an 8" tablet (the Venue pro)
get 8 hours of battery out of it and sell it for around $ 200.00
How long before someone comes out with a smartphone 5" phaplet of one of these for a true "Mobile Computer"

[ranzabar]

I have no interest in living in one ecosystem.

Posted via CB10

[svelt]

This was a good idea when I first heard of it, but I now see why iOS isn't going to merge with OSX in the forseeable future. Apple IMO has gotten it right (again) - Desktop use has really been optimized for desktop computing that can't be replicated well on a phone. Even if the phone had the internals to run desktop software, you'd need all the peripherals for it to be useable - a mouse, keyboard and screen. Sure, perhaps one day Thorsten's idea of a phone being the main CPU and plugging things in will be a reality, but today I find Windows 8 to be sort of a jack of all trades - decent at being a desktop OS, tablet OS and phone OS, but not mastery of either.

For the record I still consider Windows the best desktop OS by a hair, iOS the best tablet OS by a country mile and of course BB10 the best phone OS by a yardstick. No single company has nailed all three form factors and thus brand loyalty really does the consumer a disservice. JMO

[southlander]

Sure it makes it harder. Windows already is doing decent in some places and outselling BB. Having this unification is huge. Look at how far Apple and google are connected with everything

Paul Thurrott said on Windows Weekly that Windows Phone is not doing well in the US or China. The world's two largest smartphone markets.

He does not seem to think long term they can cut it without either of those markets. I tend to agree.

Posted via CB10

[currentodysseys]

Paul Thurrott said on Windows Weekly that Windows Phone is not doing well in the US or China. The world's two largest smartphone markets.

He does not seem to think long term they can cut it without either of those markets. I tend to agree.

Posted via CB10

Understandable concern. What I am wondering though, would be, how would the move of "universal" windows affect the adoption rate in the consumer market and in enterprise; such move potentially allows for a wide variety of commercialization channels and practices of software that could provide considerable added value.

(e.g. one license for desktop-mobile-tablet use with full functionality on all three platforms, paired with good mk, could potentially shift consumer behavior and initiate an increasing use of windows mobile and tablet)