Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 16th Oct 2012 15:47 UTC
Casey Muratori dissects the consequences of Windows 8's closed distribution model. "But how realistic is the assumption that the Windows desktop will still be a usable computing platform in the future? And what would be the consequences were it to disappear, leaving Windows users with only the closed software ecosystem introduced in Windows 8? To answer these questions, this volume of Critical Detail examines the immediate and future effects of Microsoft's current certification requirements, explores in depth what history predicts for the lifespan of the classic Windows desktop, and takes a pragmatic look at whether an open or closed ecosystem would be better for Microsoft as a company." The section that details how none - none - of this year's greatest games (or last year's fantastic Skyrim) and only one of this year's Emmy-nominated TV shows pass Microsoft's rules sent chills down my spine.
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Member since:2005-07-06
Member since:2005-11-13
Well, it might not become closed down, but it might simply disappear at one release, leaving Metro and the Windows Store to become the new Windows desktop.
Even assuming you're right, it'll be 10 years at a MINIMUM before that happens, and I would guess more like 20. Remember, Windows' bread and butter is its huge app ecosystem. Take that away, and watch its users disappear faster than a pizza at a Weight Watcher's convention. Hell, we're still trying to get businesses off of IE6.
Member since:2012-10-17
I agree with all that, to a point.
The point is the censorship implications. Why should we allow MS (or Apple, or Google) to determine which apps are fit for market? That's the area I'm concerned about.
There seems to be a lot of FUD here as well. Some WinRT API's CAN be used for desktop development, there's a list of them up on MSDN. I hope this list increases over time, and that the Market becomes less restrictive on editorial policy.
Member since:2005-11-13
The point is the censorship implications. Why should we allow MS (or Apple, or Google) to determine which apps are fit for market? That's the area I'm concerned about.
I believe we need app stores in order to protect the tech tards from themselves. I don't even bother to install a lot of apps I'd like to try on Windows anymore, simply because I don't know what they're going to do. Things have gotten way out of hand with these 'toolbars' and such. Even Linux distros have distro repositories. And as long as these things exist, SOMEBODY has to decide what gets included, and users may not always agree with their decisions.
So I don't have an issue with these stores, as long as you can side load. And currently you can side load on the desktop, which is the only part of Windows 8 that actually matters to me. As for Windows RT, well... that ain't Windows 8
Edited 2012-10-17 17:45 UTC
Member since:2011-01-28
RobG,
"The point is the censorship implications. Why should we allow MS (or Apple, or Google) to determine which apps are fit for market? That's the area I'm concerned about."
Exactly! There's tremendous concern with allowing these corporations control consumer access to software.
Member since:2007-03-26
Now days with Windows, I will rarely ever install anything that is labeled 'FREE', since I don't know what it will do to my system. Personally, I welcome the option of an app store. At least I know somebody has vetted the app before it goes live.
Yet weirdly you'd install Iron over Chromium? :p
I do get what you mean though, I tend to prefer open source software on Windows when downloading free applications because even though I wouldn't personally vet the code, I can sympathise more with why the application is free. I know it doesn't really make a whole lot of difference and that my A/V should catch most nasties, but psychologically I feel "safer" with GPL over freeware binaries.
Member since:
2005-11-13
I don't think we'll ever get to a point where the Windows desktop becomes a completely closed ecosystem. If it did, it would utterly fail in the enterprise. Not to mention that some VSTs are bigger than 20gb; that wouldn't exactly be convenient to download from the cloud.
If anything, Windows will probably become like Android is, and I believe OSX too - you will download mostly from the app store, with the option to side load. IMO, this is how it should be done. It keeps tech tards in the walled garden and away from the malware, but allows power users who know what they're doing to venture outside the garden.
Now days with Windows, I will rarely ever install anything that is labeled 'FREE', since I don't know what it will do to my system. Personally, I welcome the option of an app store. At least I know somebody has vetted the app before it goes live.