When do you want Windows 8?
There was some buzz earlier today -- wild speculation, really -- about when Microsoft would release its next major operating system. Let's skip over the rumors and get right to the important stuff: what matters to you. So I'm asking: When do you want Windows 8?
The immediate answer many people might expect is now. Sure there are enthusiasts who can't wait to get their grubby hands on the software's pristine packaging. But there are many other Windows users who would wait longer. For many reasons.
Some developers might want a protracted beta so they can figure out the new user interface and what's needed to also provide backward compatibility with existing applications. Some IT organizations may be smack in the middle of XP-to-Windows 7 migrations and have absolutely no desire for the upgrade soon. Other businesses or educational institutions might be considering Windows 7 but are so intrigued by v8's new user interface, they want to get it as soon as possible. Still others might be thinking of deploying tablets to replace PCs and would want to evaluate Windows 8 models as options.
It's a fair bet Microsoft won't release any kind of widely-distributed beta -- private developer or open-to-anyone -- before September's BUILD conference. But that's a reality I'd like you to ignore. If you could have Windows 8 as soon as tomorrow, when would you want it? Tomorrow? Six months? 12 months? Longer? You tell me.
This is a good topic for discussion that might even help Microsoft in its internal planning processes. If you care at all, take the time to answer the question. Microsoft will care about your responses.
Please respond in comments, answering the "When?" question but also giving a little more information:
- Personal or business use
- Current operating system
- How long on current OS
- Why you want Windows 8 (or why not)
- What you want from Windows 8
The first Chromebooks debuted today running Chrome OS, and Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion" ships next month. Isn't it time for a little Windows 8 love chatter?