05 September 2012

The Windows 8 Invasion Starts


These are not the best of days for people who hate Microsoft.
With the software company about to launch the latest versions of its desktop and mobile operating systems, and its OEM partners releasing their gadgets and devices powered by them, Microsoft gets more than its usual share of media mentions.
It is not the 800-pound gorilla it used to be, but the software vendor continues to have a huge impact on various segments of the technology market. And today and in the coming few weeks, Microsoft gets to occupy the IT world’s center stage.

And the software giant will do it whether its critics and haters like it or not.
Windows 8 Deluge
HP, for its part, launched three Windows 8-powered, touchscree-equipped Ultrabook models. One of the models even features a removable keyboard and is apparently ready to rumble with Microsoft’s own Surface tablet.
High-end Beats Audio components are expected to help HP’s Ultrabooks distinguish themselves from the rest of the Windows 8 field.
Meanwhile, Dell also announced three new Windows 8 products — a 10-inch tablet powered by an ARM processor, an all-in-one desktop PC that boasts of an ultra-HD screen, and a hybrid (laptop-tablet) powered by an Intel chip.
More Windows 8 Systems
The IFA tech conference in Berlin also served as launching pad for several other systems powered by Microsoft’s newest operating system.
Among these are the Satellite U925t, an Ultrabook that also moonlights as a convertible laptop/tablet; the Satellite P845t, a conventional, clamshell laptop with a 14-inch display; and the LX835, and all-in-one desktop PC.
These are all, of course, made by Toshiba.
The PC vendor also announced the Satellite U845W ultrabook, which comes with a 14.4-inch widescreen display; the Satellite U945, a 14-inch ultrabook; and the Satellite S955 laptop.
Dell introduced the XPS Duo 12, a convertible laptop with a display that transforms into a tablet, while Asus showed off the Taichi, an ultrabook that comes with a “doble cara” display.
Microsoft, the Persistent
If there is one trait that helps distinguish Microsoft from the other tech companies, that would be persistence. Combined with its huge cash hoard, persistence has enabled the software giant to succeed despite initial failures or missteps.
An illustration would be the Xbox gaming platform.
Microsoft was the underdog in the gaming console market. In fact, for most market observers, it had no business being there. But the company persevered despite the setbacks that persisted for a while, and yes, despite the blue screen of death and the PR disaster that came with it.
Until finally, Microsoft got it right. Today, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and its Kinect gesture-based control system dominate the gaming console world.
I won’t be surprised if Microsoft were to do the same thing in the smartphone and tablet markets.
That’s all for the meantime, folks. Join me again next time as we keep on watching IT.
By ALLAN D. FRANCISCO
mb.com.ph


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