Is Microsoft in trouble?  If you follow the tech world, I’m sure you have an opinion on this.  Long story short, not many people like Windows 8.  They don’t like the fact that Microsoft made huge changes to the Windows interface.  The problem is, Microsoft didn’t have a choice.  Don’t believe me?  Here’s the scoop.

The Rock…
Opponents of Windows 8 say that they liked Windows the way it was.  For the most part, this is true.  But it won’t stay that way forever.  The iPad is becoming more and more popular, and with it, touch interfaces in general.  However, when it comes to computers, people like their mice and keyboards, so why would Microsoft mess that up?

…and the Hard Place
Eventually, the way I see it, tablets will take over, and many people won’t care about traditional Windows at all anymore.  As the iPad gets more capable, Microsoft’s clock ticks closer to the end.  Microsoft had to change Windows to meet the new norm: touch.

This is the sad part.  I think Microsoft could have done better.  Microsoft had the opportunity to really blow us out of the water, truly bridging the gap between desktop and tablet, but they didn’t (or couldn’t?).  Instead, they gave us two interfaces, one new, one old, awkwardly bolted together.  (Public Service Announcement: Make Windows 8 work like Windows 7 for $5.  You’re welcome.)  What’s in store for Microsoft?  I don’t know.  What I do know is that if they want to stay around, or at least stay relevant, they’re going to have to pull together and ship something good, something that looks beautiful and really works.

Fortunately, Microsoft is good at supporting products for a long time, so as for me and my desktop, we will use Windows 7.  ••