I'm reading an article from this month's issue of Fast Company magazine that profiles Microsoft's newest OS, Windows 7. In the interest of full disclosure: I was a Windows user from 3.1 through XP and still use it from time to time on my awesomely cool Macbook Pro with Boot Camp. Boot Camp is software that partitions the hard drive and enables the the dual Intel processors in my Macbook to run XP and its related programs as a native OS. It's very slick and extremely handy. For the past several years, and especially since Anthony's emergence as Apostle of all things Apple, I have been a Mac devotee. I could cite the reasons here, but that's a separate comment. Today's commentary will dwell on the items that Microsoft chose to lead with when presenting their newest and shiniest technology to the writers at Fast Company.
1. The Boot Up Intro: Four multi-colored fireflies that coalesce into a glowing Windows icon. What? You're profiling your new OS and you're selling the boot up intro? Why would I care about that? What is less significant to a user over the age of 6 than the boot up intro? I can tell you because it is the second item in their profile.
2. The Task Bar Icons: Here is a direct quote from the article, "The task bar is the face of Windows, but the icons are the stars of the show." Admittedly I get pretty excited about some nerdy things, but that the task bar icons are the stars of the new Operating System are like saying that the gas cap is the highlight of your new Ferrari.
PS: That quote is from one of the designers, not a writer critiquing the product.
3. Desktop Wallpapers: By now I was stupefied. Why are the wallpapers important in the rebuild of the operating system? According to the MSFT spokesperson, by creating anime turtles and using slick Seattle streetscapes, they wanted to, "provoke a strong emotional connection," with the users. Ummm... build an OS that boots quickly, isn't rife with security holes, and doesn't crash when I run a Microsoft product and that will build an emotional connection.
4. Aero Shake: With this new gizmo you "rub your mouse" (no kidding) over an open window and the other active windows fly closed. I'm calling this one Mouse-terbation. 'Nuff said here.
This is pathetic Microsoft. I can't wait for the new Mac commercials.
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