Windows 8 HTPC, HD Media Center – Remote, Wireless Xbox receiver for games
Windows 8 Acer Iconia W500 Tablet (I couldn’t wait to try Win 8 Preview late 2011)
Windows Phone 8X
Nokia 800 WP 7.5 (Girlfriends) HTC Trophy WP 7
Xbox 360 Black + kinect + Live + Games, Media Center Extender
Wireless Wheel for PC/Xbox
Microsoft Wireless Keyboard/Mouse 5000
Microsoft Wireless Touch Mouse
Office, Outlook etc.
The desktop has iteratively evolved to become something very useful for people using a mouse/keyboard.
I think MS should open up the platform and allow/support developers to be able to create RT desktop apps. Equivalent to the Win 8 desktop alternatives.
The reason they didn’t call it Win 8 Mobile or tablet is because ARM may well end up in other embedded devices so they didn’t want to limit the OS to just tablets.
Some clever engineers re-wrote the code for Office, for a desktop GUI and NT kernel that would run on the ARM architecture.
ARM is not going away as much as some would hope. Companies are even looking into creating ARM based server farm/infrastructure because of the reduced power consumption.
I believe AMD and other companies also looking to invest in the ARM architecture. These devices will end up being either a hybrid Linux or Android.
Surely the next step logical step for MS would be to work on an emulator that can MAKE Win RT be able to run legacy apps.
Create a Windows RT NT/Pro. Gradually making sure all desktop software companies are supported to re-write their code for the new OS. Like they did from DOS to Windows.
I think it’s a good thing they left the desktop in, to allow for that opportunity.
With regards to the advantage kb/m users in games that could be easily remedied by having specific game rooms/server types in different games or simply disabling it. It’s not too much of a technological problem.
Plus they could be like an optional accessory – like the keyboard is currently with the Xbox.
Smart-glass and I.E make the current Xbox OS more like a PC with a mouse. Why not use superior technology for a given task even if it’s use optional.
Also your points about developers having to worry about the mechanics etc. Have you actually played a PC game with an Xbox controller lately? The set-up is perfect for you to seamlessly change from kb/m to controller – which I did often in Bioshock. Controller for the smoothness to make it more natural like a movie and obviously mouse for the fighting if it got intense.
I think your making a bigger point out of this than is necessary and would add lots of appeal and advantage (over PS4) to a very large user group.
Yes do it MS! It runs on something similar to Windows 8 so why not – why not have a full desktop and have the PC invade the living room – like it has in my living room.
With good font scaling and a mouse as accurate as the Wireless Mouse 5000 (it works great on the arm of a chair or next to where you sit if you have room) we can play FPS how we like and be productive on our TV’s if we like. It’s a no-brainer.
You can also cross platform play Robotek between Windows Phone 8 and the Windows 8 App. They don’t advertise it but I kept playing against my girlfriend by just starting a match at the same time and most times it worked.
Fun little game too. It’s probably cross platform on Android/IOS/Blackberry too.
