[Windows 8 General] e.mote:
I'll cut Nadella some slack. We can all agree that he's no Ballmer when it comes to being a dynamic speaker, but public speaking is just one part. He got the job mainly because of his tech cred, and we'll see if that plus his managerial skills are enough to get Windows back on track. He doesn't have the benefit of a honeymoon period, but then again, that's also why he got the job instead of an outsider.

On reflection, I feel a bit more positive about MS' moves announced at Build. The "free OS" thing was long overdue, especially on phones, but at least MS has recognized reality and made the hard decision to scrap its old business model. Sans the comforts of a monopoly perch, I think it'll have a tougher time mining new revenue sources. Consumers have gotten used to the phone apps' pricing model of a few dollars each, and there'll be major pushback on trying to raise that level, let alone charging people $70/yr subscriptions. Biz, yes; consumers, good luck with that.

But that's for phase 2. Phase 1 is still to get bodies into the ecosystem, and MS has a better chance this year than last. Intel at IDF has claimed that Win tablets will almost be at price parity ($99-129) as cheap Androids this year, with free Win and CR (cost-reduced) version of Bay Trail on tap. Intel has said a lot of things that didn't pan out last couple of years, but safe to think that we'll see $200 brand-names, and $150 white-boxes at Wally's this Xmas. Assuming Goog doesn't improve Android on mobile this year, Win toys have a good shot at getting some volume.

Still, both the $0 spiel and the "desktop friendlier" play don't hide the fact that MS hasn't improve Metro after two years. Metro is not equal to Android in capabilities or ecosystem, and it still can't replace desktop functionality. Making it free is the easy part. Making it capable for BOTH mobiles and PCs will be a much harder chew.

MS has yet to let go all of its Apple-wannabe obsession that was Ballmer's downfall. Like iOS, Metro is still a walled-garden eco, with everything needing the MS overlord's approval before it can be used. Of every Internet success that we've seen in recent years, grassroots support is key, and except for Apple, closed systems are an anathema. If Nadella is as progressive and aware as he claims to be, then his next step will be to copy Android, and allow side-loading as an option.

Nadella claims that MS will innovate fast, presumably faster than the competition. Up to now, MS and innovation don't fit together in a sentence, and Nad will have his chance to prove the doubters wrong. I do honestly wish him and MS the best, as a resurgent MS would mean more competition, which in turn means better/cheaper widgets for users.

Speaking of Office, I've recently parted ways with the MS product, and am now using the freebie Kingsoft suite. Price wasn't a factor, as I still have the option to use MS Office sans cost for a while longer. But it is and has always been one big hairball, and the subscription thing is not my gig. Hanging on to an old non-sub Office will soon be untenable, as it will be quickly obsoleted by the rapidly-changing Windows. As with many things Microsoft, it was time to cut the cord and find new pastures.