On Tuesday, Bill Gates introduced the world to the next version of
Windows - Windows XP. I'm not going to make judgments and say that
Microsoft copied particular Mac OS X features, but there are a few
too many similarities between the two operating systems to be
coincidental. Instead the theme throughout this article will be that
Microsoft used some of Mac OS X's features as inspiration for
particular Windows XP components.
You can't blame Microsoft for wanting to replicate some of Apple's
ideas. If I were Bill Gates, I would be completely jealous of the
fact that Steve Jobs and the folks at Apple created such a
masterpiece as Mac OS X. Even a Windows XP beta tester admits that
Microsoft has Apple on the eye:
This is so sad. They're just lamely trying to copy Steve Jobs'
Apple presentation - right down to the guy having a black shirt
and black pants.
Public Beta, Anyone?
With Windows XP, Microsoft is offering PC users the opportunity to
test drive Windows XP through a "Windows XP Preview Program." Here is
an excerpt from the Windows XP Preview Program Newsletter Sign-Up
page, it also suggests that the preview will be available for a price
(similar to Mac OS X Public Beta):
By signing up today, you will receive an e-mail notification
letting you know Windows® XP is available to order through the
Windows XP Preview Program. This special offer is a release
candidate-based preview program that will allow you to test-drive
the revolutionary new Windows desktop operating system from
Microsoft.
Four Letter User Interfaces
You're familiar with Aqua, Mac OS X's interface. Similar to Mac OS
X, Microsoft is selling Windows XP in a completely redesigned
interface named Luna. Oversized icons seem to be the new trend in
user interface, and both designs are surprisingly blue. Microsoft
says that Luna "will bring a simple, colorful, and clean look to the
desktop," and that it is a result of "significant customer feedback,
research, and development." Yeah, it's a result of customer feedback
- and Mac OS X.
Kudos goes to Microsoft for realizing that they had to redesign
that hideous look operating system. But next time, they should try to
use something called "originality."
The Software Strategy
If you were lucky enough to attend the Macworld keynote a few
weeks ago (or watch it via the Internet), you probably remember Steve
Job's demonstration using a G4 tower as a hub that interacts with a
variety of different peripherals. He went on to talk about Apple's
focus on software development, the introduction of iTunes, iDVD, and
DVD Studio Pro. Creating such programs as iMovie and iTunes was an
intelligent move for Apple, and according to popular rumors, there
are more such programs in the works. During his presentation on
Tuesday, Bill Gates made a point to talk about the increasing demand
for connectivity between personal computers and other electronics
(sound familiar?). "Music is hard to work with. It's hard to have a
play list. The digital revolution is changing that," Microsoft's CEO
boasted.
Multiple Users When reading more about Windows XP on Microsoft's
web site, I came across a screenshot of the Welcome Screen. "Gee,
I've seen that somewhere before," I thought to myself. That's because
it resembles Multiple Users in both design and features - it even
has the same rubber ducky avatar! (See Wired
page, which shows both. Microsoft's rubber ducky is a mirror image of
Apple's.)
Windows XP makes it easy to create individual accounts for
everyone who uses your computer. This means that when each of you
log on, you will have your own, individualized computing
environment. And if your family shares a computer, Windows XP
allows you to quickly switch between users without closing down
and restarting any programs.
Windows XP is a good attempt, and it is an improvement over
previous Windows versions. However, one would think that a company
such as Microsoft, which has been so successful over the years,
wouldn't need to use some of its opponent's ideas just to sell a few
hundred thousand copies of an operating system.
Links for the Day
Mac of the Day: PowerBook 170, Oct. 1991 - At 25 MHz, the PB 170 was at the top of the original PowerBook line.
List of the Day: The iPhone List Low End Mac's forum for discussing and supporting Apple's iPhone.
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