While Long Zheng has shined a much needed spotlight on Vista’s visual quirks at Windows UX Taskforce, I figured it’s about time someone brought to light another major aspect of Windows, the features. As important as the UI is, I can certainly cope with some minor visual flaws here and there; it’s in terms of features, where Windows is starting to fall behind. And there’s no time like the present to start getting your word out.
So here are six suggestions that I believe would be crucial to Windows Seven’s success:
• One version, Modular Installation: Boy, did Apple ever have it right with that “Basic version for $129… Premium version for $129… Business version for $129… and an Ultimate version, for $129″. One of the major criticisms Vista has faced since before it ever even hit store shelves, has been the amount of available editions. This has got to go! Users should not have to stare at the store shelf for ten minutes, looking at the comparison tables on each box, deciding which version to pick. Windows Seven MUST ship in one version, and one version only. The solution to this? Modular installation. Let the user pick what applications and features to install during the setup. To make this process easier, there should be four suggested “installation modes”, where the user can select whether they want to optimize the installation for a Home environment, a Business environment, or a Full installation (the fourth “mode” being custom). The installer will then highlight and select the suggested components to install, yet still allowing the user to make the decision in the end. That means one version and one price tag, allowing you to have the Seven you want.
Well well well, look who finally decided to show up. As expected, the Zune has finally made it’s way over the border today, and snuggled right up onto them cosy store shelves.