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wrldwzrd89

macrumors G5
Original poster
Jun 6, 2003
12,110
77
Solon, OH
Lots of rumors coming out about Windows 8, the next version of Windows.

First off, looks like Microsoft's copying Apple again: they're including a built-in PDF reader in Windows 8, and creating an APPX system for packaging applications in self-contained, sealed packages (a la Mac OS X): http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-modern-reader-135788

Secondly, MSIE for mobile devices and MSIE for "traditional" Windows may be merging, similar to how Safari is developed: http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-internet-explorer-immersive-135787

Finally, a little feature that should've been in Windows 7 - automatic colorization of the translucent window title bars to match your desktop: http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-aero-autocolorization-135807
 

roadbloc

macrumors G3
Aug 24, 2009
8,784
215
UK
I've heard that disk images will be automatically mountable. Another OS X/Linux feature that should have been in the last two features in the very least.

Live integration is also what I'm hearing. It'll be interesting to see how that ones pans out because I hate Live Essentials, but I know some people who love it.
 

Joshuarocks

macrumors 6502
Mar 12, 2011
364
1
Somewhere in Cyberspace
Also this just in... Windows 8 appears to be running off of a Unix like platform underneath the GUI interface.. this could be the beginning of a Unix based OS similar to MAC OS X itself.

Ballmer has outdone himself this time.
 

Rodimus Prime

macrumors G4
Oct 9, 2006
10,136
4
Lots of rumors coming out about Windows 8, the next version of Windows.

First off, looks like Microsoft's copying Apple again: they're including a built-in PDF reader in Windows 8, and creating an APPX system for packaging applications in self-contained, sealed packages (a la Mac OS X): http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-modern-reader-135788

Secondly, MSIE for mobile devices and MSIE for "traditional" Windows may be merging, similar to how Safari is developed: http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-internet-explorer-immersive-135787

Finally, a little feature that should've been in Windows 7 - automatic colorization of the translucent window title bars to match your desktop: http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-aero-autocolorization-135807

be careful your blind fanboyism is showing.
The PDF reader I will say is something that MS should of put in the OS back in XP. Only reason it took this long was because of Adbobe and calling it copying Apple pure fanboyism.

Really I will say everything you posted is pretty much just really grasping at straws to call it copying. MS history thing (like Time Machine) I suggest you go look back at MS history and you will find MS been working on that a long time. It is more features from WinFS they have been wanting to Add.
Another reason it been held off on is that type of stuff does tend to eat up Hard drive space quickly.
 

*LTD*

macrumors G4
Feb 5, 2009
10,703
1
Canada
Another reason it been held off on is that type of stuff does tend to eat up Hard drive space quickly.

Yeah, that's one of the main reasons. Because you can't use such a feature with an external drive anyway.

After all, Time Machine doesn't work with any exter . . . oh wait.

No, no, false alarm. It's alright. My Time Machine in OS X is able to write to an external drive of any size only because aliens from the future hacked into my Mac and rewrote the code while I was sleeping.
 

Abstract

macrumors Penryn
Dec 27, 2002
24,889
921
Location Location Location
Other than keeping applications in self-contained folders, I don't see any of this as copying. Even so, having applications run as self-contained folders isn't even an Apple idea.

Different Microsoft IE versions for mobile phones, and computers? OH NOES!! :eek:

Built-in PDF reader?! OMG!! What next, will Windows let you resize windows from all 4 corners rather than.......oh wait, it already does.
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
I'm sure I'm going to get flamed, but to be honest, I'm more excited about what win8 will have to offer then 10.7.

The reason is Microsoft has been adding more features to windows, then apple has to OSX.

Given the anemic features that 10.7, windows 8 could be the version that I see using more then OSX. I'm splitting my time 50/50 right now.
 

roadbloc

macrumors G3
Aug 24, 2009
8,784
215
UK
From what I've heard of Windows 8 so far, I am impressed that Microsoft are back on the ball in terms of features that users want. A lot of the features coming in Windows 8 should either have been added ages ago, or are polished/expanded versions of something that existed in Windows for a long time, but was either poorly integrated or went stale due to no updates for it over the years. It will also be good to see a return of the Marketplace.

The idea of Live integration and the 'Ribbon' in explorer are the only things that put me off.

What disappoints me in Lion is the system requirements. It is massively bloated. Core2Duo and 2GB of RAM minimum is terrible. Even though my Mac is capable of running it, I'm still not impressed. Hopefully the Resume feature will kick ass so much that it will be worth it. Other than Resume and Versions, the rest of Lion's features are a big 'meh'.
 

Rodimus Prime

macrumors G4
Oct 9, 2006
10,136
4
Other than keeping applications in self-contained folders, I don't see any of this as copying. Even so, having applications run as self-contained folders isn't even an Apple idea.

Different Microsoft IE versions for mobile phones, and computers? OH NOES!! :eek:

Built-in PDF reader?! OMG!! What next, will Windows let you resize windows from all 4 corners rather than.......oh wait, it already does.

yeah that was my though on it.
Something like Time Machine was not even an Apple idea to begin with and I know MS has been working on it a very long time.

I also know the built-in PDF reader has taken so long because of fears with Adobe. Hell to be able to save to PDF in Office MS had to make it an option to download it from them and install it. It could not be installed by default because of Adobe.
Sounds like MS either is paying Adobe a small fee or they are done being scared. It is not like Acrobat reader is anything more than just a PDF reader. Something the OS as sorely needed built in.
 

KeriJane

macrumors 6502a
Sep 26, 2009
578
1
ЧИКАГО!
Let's see....

They're FINALLY going to some sort of UNIX thing.... Like Apple did.
Theyre FINALLY getting some sort of responsible backup system.... Like Apple did...
They're FINALLY going to self-contained applications, like Apple...
They're FINALLY building in PDF support like Apple
Etc, etc....

Why not just skip 8 and 9 and call it Windows 10? Or WINDOWS X.... Just like SURPRISE! Apple did! :p

All of which are necessary and seriously overdue. But how can anyone say it's not just another cheap ripoff of Apple yet again?

My big question is... How is MS going to maintain strict control and ownership of a UNIX core?
Isn't that why they've been sticking with their inferior, outdated and disasterously defective proprietary MS technology up until now?

Have Fun,
Keri
 
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jaw04005

macrumors 601
Aug 19, 2003
4,570
559
AR
Some of it is copying, but it's good for consumers. The program packaging is because Microsoft is planning to release an App Store for Windows.

I'm just glad Microsoft is focusing on consumer features in their operating system instead of just enterprise features. I hope they revamp Media Center with the Windows Phone UI and ditch Windows Media Player all together in favor of the Zune software (or turn WMP into a QuickLook-like application).

As for Lion, I expect Apple is holding back some major features for WWDC. While Versions, AirDrop, Mission Control and Launchpad are all "tentpole" user features, there has to be more coming. I want desperately for Apple to create some type of iTunes sharing process so that iTunes doesn't have to run constantly to stream to home sharing devices. And why isn't AirPlay built into QuickTime X in Lion?
 
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SevenInchScrew

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2007
539
2
Omaha
Sounds like MS either is paying Adobe a small fee or they are done being scared.
If I remember correctly, PDF became an open standard a few years ago. I think it was late-ish in 2008, so maybe it was just too late in the development of Windows 7 to get it in, but now it will appear in 8.

They're FINALLY going to some sort of UNIX thing.... Like Apple did.
...

My big question is... How is MS going to maintain strict control and ownership of a UNIX core?
Where are people getting this UNIX thing from? I can't seem to find any info about this.
 

FX120

macrumors 65816
May 18, 2007
1,173
235
Sounds like MS either is paying Adobe a small fee or they are done being scared. It is not like Acrobat reader is anything more than just a PDF reader. Something the OS as sorely needed built in.

I think that all changed when adobe was forced to publish the specifications for the PDF format a few years back.

My guess is that it has more to do with antitrust regulation, primarily in Europe. I'm surprised that they can even include a calculator as part of Windows and still sell it in the EU.
 

jaw04005

macrumors 601
Aug 19, 2003
4,570
559
AR
If I remember correctly, PDF became an open standard a few years ago. I think it was late-ish in 2008, so maybe it was just too late in the development of Windows 7 to get it in, but now it will appear in 8.

Nah. Native PDF support (import and export) was supposed to be a feature of Windows Vista but was pulled at the last minute because of Adobe's lawsuit threat. Apparently, Microsoft and Adobe have worked it out. They've had it ready for a long time. You could even download a PDF plug-in for Office 07 directly from MSFT.
 
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SevenInchScrew

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2007
539
2
Omaha
Nah. Native PDF support (import and export) was supposed to be a feature of Windows Vista but was pulled at the last minute because of Adobe's lawsuit threat. Apparently, Microsoft and Adobe have worked it out.
Ahh, I didn't realize it was intended that long ago. Now that it is an open standard, though, Adobe shouldn't really have much say in it now, right?
 

jaw04005

macrumors 601
Aug 19, 2003
4,570
559
AR
Ahh, I didn't realize it was intended that long ago. Now that it is an open standard, though, Adobe shouldn't really have much say in it now, right?

As we've all read a lot about recently, open standard is not open source. I'm sure Adobe and Microsoft have an arrangement.
 

KeriJane

macrumors 6502a
Sep 26, 2009
578
1
ЧИКАГО!
Some of it is copying, but it's good for consumers. The program packaging is because Microsoft is planning to release an App Store for Windows.

I'm just glad Microsoft is focusing on consumer features in their operating system instead of just enterprise features.


That's what Microsoft does. Copy Apple and make the copy so bad that Apple can't quite sue them. MS has been doing that for DECADES.
That's why I call MS "The Worlds Biggest Out-Of-Focus Copying Machine".

It's not good for consumers in the long run. We get stuck with expensive and inferior copies of Apple products. Yuck.

A Microsoft App Store is almost too hilarious a concept to think about. Thinking about it might make good therapy for depression but could have side effects related to excessive laughter.
If they're very lucky it will be Zune2.

MS has been focusing on Enterprise features? Odd. Our MS based computers at work are actually worse to use than Windows computers at home. Perhaps our IT guys are just being cruel?

Have Fun.
Keri
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
My big question is... How is MS going to maintain strict control and ownership of a UNIX core?
What Unix core? :confused: MS did not turn windows into unix, so its baffling that you would post any unix comments.

The additions while you deride them are welcome, and yes, in many instances they did copy OSX.

Also though they're adding more functionality, more then what you can say about apple and Lion. What is its major feature - making it more like an iPad :confused:

Microsoft leap frogged apple with windows 7, it has more functionality, better ui and is faster. Aero Peek for instance is one awesome feature.

I was hoping that apple would provide some meaty updates with 10.7 especially given the anemic update that 10.6 was.
 

fehhkk

macrumors 6502a
Jun 11, 2009
753
238
Chicago, IL
I hope windows gets rid of the dos command shell and don't have to rely on third party tools like cygwin. If W8 is unix based, it would be glorious.
 

*LTD*

macrumors G4
Feb 5, 2009
10,703
1
Canada
That's what Microsoft does. Copy Apple and make the copy so bad that Apple can't quite sue them. MS has been doing that for DECADES.
That's why I call MS "The Worlds Biggest Out-Of-Focus Copying Machine".

It's not good for consumers in the long run. We get stuck with expensive and inferior copies of Apple products. Yuck.

A Microsoft App Store is almost too hilarious a concept to think about. Thinking about it might make good therapy for depression but could have side effects related to excessive laughter.
If they're very lucky it will be Zune2.

MS has been focusing on Enterprise features? Odd. Our MS based computers at work are actually worse to use than Windows computers at home. Perhaps our IT guys are just being cruel?

Have Fun.
Keri

MS knows 5 things, more or less:

1) How to extend boredom and bad software into the enterprise
2) How to copy (poorly)
3) Office suite rehashes
4) Xbox
5) How to ride the coattails of their universal licensing racket

For quite a long time now, the only thing MS has had left is empty talk. Lip service and blustery denial, i.e., tablets are a fad, Apple rounding errors, etc. All of these are excuses in the face of continued, embarrassing criticism. MS is all about excuses. Ever notice that? Whenever it's question period Ballmer always has an answer - even if it sounds ******* insane. Of course, excuses don't put insanely great products into consumers' hands (unless it's substandard copies three years later!) But that's OK. MS wil "get it right" eventually. We keep hearing that. Just give them time. Meanwhile Apple, at a fraction of the cost, redefines entire markets overnight. It's almost like business as usual at Apple: redefine markets and create new ones. Lead the way forward. So in other words: no waste. Money spent wisely. Which leads me to the next point . . .

Did you know that Microsoft has outspent Apple roughly 8-1 in R&D over the last decade? Yup. 8 to freaking 1.

And in that time - a decade, Apple has produced Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, lots of groundbreaking Mac models (multiple iMac versions, the iBooks, MacBooks, MacBook Pros, MacBook Air, Power Macs, etc.), iPod, popularized Podcasting, iTunes, iTunes Store, iPhone, iOS, Apple TV, the App Store, Mac App Store, and, of course their current game-changer: the iPad.

Microsoft, on the other hand, for 8x the money, has come up with: another back-asswards Mac OS X clone - a Windows rehash that they're trying to shoehorn onto tablets with varying degrees of failure, some bloated Office retreads, the Zune, Kin, Bing, and Windows Phone 2007. If it wasn’t for the Sony-inspired Xbox (Red Ring of Death included) and a Nintendo-inspired Xbox controller, Microsoft would have nothing but a string of failures to show for roughly 80 billion dollars. The ratio of R&D to revenue for both companies couldn’t be more telling. Of course, they put a lot of R&D into their Enterprise software. Which doesn't function any better today than it has years ago. We're still on XPee at work. So, of course it's all useless to us. It's hard to get excited about Exchange and Outlook.

That's right. $80 billion for a PlayStation clone, an accessory to make it work like a Wii, an also-ran search engine, and what’s left of Nokia.

Is it more funny than sad? I'm not sure.

Any random person picked off the street could have run Microsoft better during the last decade. Mind you, not that a lot of other CEOs are any brighter (here's lookin' at ya, Acer!)

Microsoft does two things really well, though: Retarded product names and waste. Add these to the other five above. The list still doesn't look any better.

Cheers
 

JoeG4

macrumors 68030
Jan 11, 2002
2,872
538
If Windows 8 was unix-based o_O

It's not happening. I wish it would... :D.
 
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