Doug's Mailbag: Skype and Windows 8
Here's a few responses to Microsoft's acquisition of Skype:
My concerns are for the iOS and OSX. I use all three major platforms daily (Windows, MAC and iOS -- both iPhone and iPad). I am concerned about MS pledging to continue to support the Apple platforms. Only time will tell if Ballmer's promise is true.
-Scott
If Microsoft maintains and expands the user base (and that includes keeping the core free), and then expands out the premium services over the longer term, Skype could prove to be the world's primary global telephone system. Everyone will already have a Skype number. Simple video chats should be free, while holographic 3D conference calls will have a slight up charge. High resolution business 3D holographic calls can have a bigger up charge (and fast 'cause its now part of Outlook!). And, if my memory is correct, Microsoft purchased an early interest in Facebook (2007), so it may make a multifaceted approach with a social network angle. And what better way to play war games with special Xbox 'Navy Seal' communication gear (sold by Microsoft) directly connected to all your pals jointly playing as a team, against another real team via Skype. Sign me up!
To Skype or not to Skype, that is not the question. Man does not communicate solely by Twitter alone.
-Andrew
Here are a reader's thoughts on a new Windows version timeline:
Whatever the name, 2013 (or maybe in time for the 2012 holiday season) sounds about right to me.
With Windows Vista in 2007 and Windows 7 in 2010, Windows '8' in 2013 certainly fits a pattern. Microsoft certainly learned its lessons from the Vista debacle...
You don't spend six years giving away free patches and service packs and then spring a new product with a new kernel onto ISVs and customers without plenty of caveats.
With XP going away in 2014, a 2013 launch of Windows '8' would give 'early-adopters' a nice overlap, and by then the transition to Windows 7 will be complete for those 'late adopters' in the enterprise.
By then, most Vista 'early-adopters' will have moved on to Windows 7, and Microsoft will once again be supporting two OSes.
Make sense to me!
-Marc
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Posted by Doug Barney on 05/18/2011 at 1:18 PM