3 Reasons To Wait For Windows 8

chief_geek — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:16:36 +0000

Windows 8 is predicted to be out late this year and Microsoft has completely revamped the way Windows works. While the underbelly is essentially the same, the visible portion is a reinvention of the OS which makes for some compelling debate.

Those who need to upgrade their machines are likely debating the usual like cost, brand, features, etc., but there are other reasons to consider. In fact, we’re going to give you three reasons to wait to buy a new PC with Windows 8.

Reason #1: Cloud Storage

No doubt many of you have already begun moving to the cloud for storage. Services like Dropbox, Box, Carbonite and many others are vying for your data. Each service continually upgrades their service to better integrate, sync and expand in order to make the cloud as easy as possible.

Microsoft has its own cloud storage service called SkyDrive. It’s not the most popular on the market, but offers 25GB of free storage which dwarfs their biggest rival Dropbox. Microsoft has already announced full integration with SkyDrive in Windows 8 which means ease of use right out of the gate. Those who haven’t yet signed up for cloud storage will be given the option immediately and thus alleviating a lot of the anxiety about choosing one that works well with Windows.

Reason #2: Hardware Upgrades

Windows 8 will require basically the same hardware specifications as Windows 7. However, there are some benefits to Windows 8 hardware support that could sway you towards a Windows 8 PC purchase. Windows 8 will support USB 3.0 compatibility which is far superior in terms of speed than USB 2.0. With a maximum transfer speed of 4.8Gbps and full backward compatibility with USB 2 and USB 1, USB 3.0 will greatly improve portable transfer and storage efficiency.

Microsoft recently released Kinect for Windows which is the addition of the Xbox Kinect device to Windows powered PCs for motion control. Windows 8 will have this feature built-in. Whether or not the Kinect motion technology hardware is somehow integrated into laptops or monitors is yet to be determined, but if so the possibilities are expansive as to how users can control their PCs. The benefits could be enormous.

Reason #3: Touch Technology

Up until now, touchscreens have been mostly beneficial on smartphones and tablets. All-in-one touch PCs made an attempt, but ultimately fall short of being a viable touch PC. Windows 8 may change that. Microsoft’s new OS is completely oriented towards touch screen manipulation. As a result, manufacturers will rush to build touchscreen laptops and PCs. Though they may be hesitant, PC manufacturers must embrace Windows 8 in order to remain relevant in the ever advancing world of mobile computing. Users who wait to buy a new PC will benefit from laptop touch technology and take full advantage of the new Windows 8 operating system.

The benefits of a laptop touchscreen will be different for each user, though the inevitable move forward will likely mean the demise of the laptop as we know it. If Windows 8 and touchscreen technology on PCs is done correctly, then PCs (laptops in particular) will likely transform into powerful tablets. Advancement aside, laptops will remain in their current state for some time and Windows 8 will be a welcome addition.

Update: The announcement of Surface answers the speculation about laptops and Windows 8. A touch tablet with detachable keyboard.

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The post 3 Reasons To Wait For Windows 8 first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

Kinect Comes To The PC

chief_geek — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:47:47 +0000

It looks like Microsoft is getting the stars aligned in what could be a complete reinvention of the Windows Operating System. It’s presumed that Windows 8 will be released later this year and with it the new Metro style interface that we, and others, have been discussing over the past several months. The latest move to make Windows 8 a desirable product is the announcement by Microsoft that Kinect will be available for the PC in early 2012.

An early 2012 release of Kinect for PC indicates to us that Microsoft wants to ‘put the feelers out’ and root out any kinks, glitches or shortcomings before the big Windows 8 launch. By releasing Kinect before Windows 8, Microsoft is ensuring it has a functional, well tested product worthy of marketing with Windows 8.

The benefits of Kinect have been apparent with the Xbox for some time now and recent updates to the Xbox interface have attempted to take further advantage of the device’s capabilities. When the Xbox interface received a facelift, Metro styling and voice control were added. The Metro styling gives a glimpse as to what Windows 8 may look and feel like, while the added motion control is surely a small testbed for what Microsoft plans in terms of motion control for the PC.

The Kinect for PC hardware will have some modifications compared to the existing device. For starters, the depth camera will have updated firmware for viewing objects as close as 20 inches. Additionally, the USB cable will be shortened and Windows commercial program support will be available.

The most exciting part of this announcement are the possibilities it holds for Windows 8. Whether or not you like the Metro look of Windows 8, there’s no denying that a fully functional Metro styled interface with motion control could be the next giant leap forward for PCs. Even if it’s not perfect at launch, the continued progression towards voice comprehension within the Kinect device along with overall hardware improvements, make the imagination run wild.

Envision a PC connected to a large display, possibly mounted on a wall, operated by Windows 8 Metro styled large blocks and app launchers, working in conjunction with motion and voice controlled Kinect. Now envision writing a blog post, preparing a speech or composing a school paper. With the above parameters a user could sit on the couch, bed or wherever, launch MS Word with a motion or two, then dictate an article aloud without the use of a keyboard or mouse. Eventually even using a bluetooth headset or earpiece to dictate the information so that voice input can be kept at a low volume. In a perfect setup a keyboard and mouse would no longer be needed.

While all that may sound perfect, it’s still a distant dream. The voice recognition alone is a hurdle that no one has been able to overcome yet. Even Apple’s Siri lacks the precision needed to perform flawlessly in a voice only environment. Having said that, the other parts are lining up nicely. Microsoft appears extremely focused and organized with their product advancement and launches which is great news for a company that seemed unable to inspire users in recent years.