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Microsoft ex-employee -- Windows 8 is a "catastrophe"

veritech

veritech

Black Votes Matter!
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wow. :smh:

Windows 8 isn't even in final form yet, but a former Microsoft employee who is chief executive and co-founder of the Valve game publisher and platform, says that when released, it will be a "catastrophe." And that's from someone whose company's primary platform is Windows.

Gabe Newell, who left Microsoft in 1996 to start Valve, had that to say and more when interviewed by VentureBeat at the Casual Connect game conference. He was asked the most softball of questions -- "What are some of the projects you're working on?" He began by describing some of his projects, and by lauding Microsoft, saying, for example:

Valve wouldn't exist if it weren’t for the PC. Id Software, Epic, Zynga, Facebook, and Google wouldn't have existed without the openness of the platform.

Later on, though, he laces into Microsoft and Windows 8, saying:

"I think that Windows 8 is kind of a catastrophe for everybody in the PC space. I think that we're going to lose some of the top-tier PC [original equipment manufacturers]. They'll exit the market. I think margins are going to be destroyed for a bunch of people."

He doesn't go into details about why he believes Windows 8 will be a catastrophe. But part of it seems to be the closed nature of the Windows Store and Metro apps. In Windows 8, Microsoft is becoming more closed, like Apple. You'll only be able to install Metro apps via the store, and Microsoft will control what's in the store and what's not.

On the desktop, you can install whatever you want. Not on RT-based tablets, though. On those, the only way to install software is via the Windows Store.

He complains in the interview that:

"If people look at what they can accomplish when they can limit competitors' access to their platform, they say, 'Wow, that's really exciting.' Even some of the people who have open platforms, like Microsoft, get really excited by the idea that Netflix has to pay them rent in order to be on the Internet."

He's worried enough about the closed nature of Windows 8 that he spent most of the interview lauding Linux for its openness.

It's not the first time he's laced into Microsoft and lauded Linux. Michael Larabel of the site Phoronix had this to say back in April:

"Listening to Gabe Newell talk about Linux for hours made me wonder whether he was a former ex-Microsoft employee (where he actually did work in his pre-Valve days in the 90's) or the director of the Linux Foundation. His level of Linux interest and commitment was incredible while his negativity for Windows 8 and the future of Microsoft was stunning. In fact, as soon as I return to my office this weekend I plan to try out Windows 8 simply to see if it's as bad as Gabe states."

Keep in mind that as Ars Technica points out, Newell has a lot to lose from Windows 8 being a closed system. Steam is a game distribution platform, and Windows 8 would cut him out of the loop. As Peter Bright writes:

"Newell is not a disinterested third party. Valve makes money from the commission it takes on Steam sales. Windows 8, with its built-in Windows Store, challenges that revenue source. Features such as Xbox LIVE integration could make the Windows Store and Windows 8 a more appealing platform for gamers and developers alike than Steam."

Still, Newell's comments seem to be heart-felt. I can't say that I agree that Windows 8 will be a catastrophe, although I think that designing it primarily for tablets rather than traditional PCs is a mistake. I do agree with his unhappiness about the close nature of the Windows Store and Metro apps. Making things worse is that in all likelihood, in a later Windows version, the desktop will go away, and the only apps you'll be able to download will be via the Windows Store.
Click to expand...

http://blogs.computerworld.com/windows/20748/microsoft-ex-employee-windows-8-catastrophe
 
Very risky if Windows 8 is going to follow Apples lead by becoming closed. If that's their game I may as well by an Apple.

I don't see myself going for this upgrade. Windows 7 has been perfect for me. Plus Linux is becoming more user friendly so fuck Microsoft!
 
Mo-Better said:
Very risky if Windows 8 is going to follow Apples lead by becoming closed. If that's their game I may as well by an Apple.

I don't see myself going for this upgrade. Windows 7 has been perfect for me. Plus Linux is becoming more user friendly so fuck Microsoft!
Click to expand...
pretty much
 
tried the pre release for a week, and that metro shit is just terrible imo

and you damn near have to remember all the windows shifts to get the most out of it, or have a touch screen pc

and wtf is up with the terrible colors of metro, hopefully there will be some skinning software of something, at least bring back the start menu
 
This shouldn't be a shocker. Microsoft always lays an egg with every other new Windows Version. I went from XP to 7. I'll skip 8 and go to the next one.
 
Mo-Better said:
Very risky if Windows 8 is going to follow Apples lead by becoming closed. If that's their game I may as well by an Apple.

I don't see myself going for this upgrade. Windows 7 has been perfect for me. Plus Linux is becoming more user friendly so fuck Microsoft!
Click to expand...

oba.jpg
So , we're on the same page ;)
 
I'm by no means capin for M$ im bout to get a mac pro next god willin... and if i do get a pc amma at least dual boot with ubuntu... I got a feelin need to learn linux

Right now I'm on a dual boot PC with Vista Home prem and Windows 8... both are doing well... the app stuff seems wack and I colin'd the article ...(sorry op)... but I don't even use those apps cause I got my own :dunno: ...I think it is made for pairing with them ugly ass windows phones lol

durham said:
tried the pre release for a week, and that metro shit is just terrible imo

and you damn near have to remember all the windows shifts to get the most out of it, or have a touch screen pc

and wtf is up with the terrible colors of metro, hopefully there will be some skinning software of something, at least bring back the start menu
Click to expand...
Honestly I don't even use that nonsense... I go straight to desktop... RIP my windows button/key tho:smh:
KrafMatik said:
This shouldn't be a shocker. Microsoft always lays an egg with every other new Windows Version. I went from XP to 7. I'll skip 8 and go to the next one.
Click to expand...

that's funny... I am on Vista and 8 right now... been using vista since ~2008
 
Last edited:
It's not like VALVE has been making any games that are Linux-compatible.

And I have installed several Linux derivatives on a number of PCs/Laptops for years.

But can you imagine trying to install STEAM and then "HALF-LIFE", "PORTAL" and their other games on Linux?

Has VALVE created anything or do they even have plans to make their popular games Linux compliant?

Newell needs to quit.

Put up or Shut up.
 
CEO of Valve software, maker of Steam which will compete with the Windows 8 App store. Plus the last time he worked at MS was 14 years ago.

Gabe has shitted on Microsoft almost every time he's had a chance, so whatever.
 
Ryokurin said:
CEO of Valve software, maker of Steam which will compete with the Windows 8 App store. Plus the last time he worked at MS was 14 years ago.

Gabe has shitted on Microsoft almost every time he's had a chance, so whatever.
Click to expand...

If what this dude is saying is true he's not shitting on them, he's speaking the truth.
 
durham said:
tried the pre release for a week, and that metro shit is just terrible imo

and you damn near have to remember all the windows shifts to get the most out of it, or have a touch screen pc

and wtf is up with the terrible colors of metro, hopefully there will be some skinning software of something, at least bring back the start menu
Click to expand...

you could use the standard desk top mode or metro style. Why didn't you switch it back to the deck top style?
 
The_Harmattan said:
In this day and age why are people so ignorant about Linux?

Being able to see potential is not that hard!
Click to expand...
I used to think I was l33t cause I could navigate MS-Dos and command line... linux is like going from slang to speaking fluent latin... imo of course... but I would like to learn it because the way things are going it seems we as consumers are creeping into developer mode more and more
HAR125LEM said:
It's not like VALVE has been making any games that are Linux-compatible.

And I have installed several Linux derivatives on a number of PCs/Laptops for years.

But can you imagine trying to install STEAM and then "HALF-LIFE", "PORTAL" and their other games on Linux?

Has VALVE created anything or do they even have plans to make their popular games Linux compliant?

Newell needs to quit.

Put up or Shut up.
Click to expand...

Had unbuntu on bootable USB... Desktop version.. all was good... then I tried to install winrar... and all hell broke loose in my home... :lol:
 
Mo-Better said:
If what this dude is saying is true he's not shitting on them, he's speaking the truth.
Click to expand...

But this article is speaking as if he just stopped working there but this kat has been done with MS for 14 years now. He's in competition with MS so he's gonna shit on them anyway.
 
Ryokurin said:
CEO of Valve software, maker of Steam which will compete with the Windows 8 App store. Plus the last time he worked at MS was 14 years ago.

Gabe has shitted on Microsoft almost every time he's had a chance, so whatever.
Click to expand...
Basically!:yes:
The article was taken out of context, just like the entire Al Gore "I invented then internet" bit and ran with it. Gabe hates the fact that MS, is more or less getting in the same business as them, which is what he has a major problem with. How is Steam to compete, if it's a feature that is already built into the OS?
 
I do agree that if Windows attempts the "closed" route, they are shooting themselves in the foot.

My laptop is dual boot Win 7 and Windows 8. So far, I like Windows 8 and have no complaints. I mean for the most part all I mostly do on my PC these days is browse the web, so all I need is my Chrome browser, and I'm good.

The Metro shit is cool, but not all that. All it does is give easy access to some of the apps. I prefer my desktop over the Metro shit.
 
MadWun said:
I do agree that if Windows attempts the "closed" route, they are shooting themselves in the foot.

My laptop is dual boot Win 7 and Windows 8. So far, I like Windows 8 and have no complaints. I mean for the most part all I mostly do on my PC these days is browse the web, so all I need is my Chrome browser, and I'm good.

The Metro shit is cool, but not all that. All it does is give easy access to some of the apps. I prefer my desktop over the Metro shit.
Click to expand...

I haven't looked back at Win 7, since I went to Win 8. I really keep forgetting about the Metro UI, cause I don't have a touch surface. I got over the "Start" button in a week, really not needed at all. We've both been using Win 8 for a while, it's no more closed than any other Win OS. Metro UI on the other hand is a different beast and probably is and should be "closed" so to speak.
 
One of the reasons Windows has survived and prospered is its openness. That and the anti-competitive tactics employed during the 90's. Lest anyone forget the Openness of Windows has a lot more to do with Hardware than the OS. Microsoft never made PC's.

With all that said Windows customers both consumer and corporate have put up with 2nd rate and 3rd rate OS products for years mainly because of openness and perceived affordability. If game vendors start porting to Linux they will find a thriving community worldwide waiting for them. The numbers wont begin to approach the Windows market but if you take the time it could payoff in five years. I have been using Linux (Suse/openSuse) for almost 10 years as my primary OS at home. I deploy and support Linux servers in the workplace alongside Windows. I know if a vendor was willing to put the kind of support effort behind a Linux desktop PC that goes behind Windows systems folks would come around. Most attempts in the past have been half-assed.
 
Mo-Better said:
Very risky if Windows 8 is going to follow Apples lead by becoming closed. If that's their game I may as well by an Apple.

I don't see myself going for this upgrade. Windows 7 has been perfect for me. Plus Linux is becoming more user friendly so fuck Microsoft!
Click to expand...

with that said its dual boot Win7 and Ubuntu until they finish going through the motions.
 
i actually like windows 8 on my tablet.

i don't have enough experience with it on a desktop to make a qualified opinion.
 
CPT Callamity said:
with that said its dual boot Win7 and Ubuntu until they finish going through the motions.
Click to expand...

have you tried fedora

or is ubunto better


I definitely want to duel boot linux & 7 on my laptop

want to roll with the better, more versatile version though
 
Mr. Furlough said:
have you tried fedora

or is ubunto better


I definitely want to duel boot linux & 7 on my laptop

want to roll with the better, more versatile version though
Click to expand...

Ubuntu is good. I use to have the Win 7/Ubuntu set up.

I have a spare desktop PC I might just throw Linux on to play around with it. :yes:
 
MadWun said:
Ubuntu is good. I use to have the Win 7/Ubuntu set up.

I have a spare desktop PC I might just throw Linux on to play around with it. :yes:
Click to expand...

:cool:

what i really noticed about the specs

is that linux doesn't hog resources

that's always a plus
 
Mr. Furlough said:
have you tried fedora

or is ubunto better


I definitely want to duel boot linux & 7 on my laptop

want to roll with the better, more versatile version though
Click to expand...

Ive tried about 5 different distros but Ubuntu is more popular and functional to me. A few guys I work with endorse fedora and a couple like Mint. Ubuntu just feels right. You can always run them on a live disc before installing to see if you'll like it.
 

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