Windows 8 critics have never been louder than during the past week, claiming that Microsoft's redesigned operating system is doomed and suggesting that not even Windows 8.1 Blue can save it. On Monday, they were joined by yet another voice that claimed the Windows era is "over," and that the people running Microsoft are "idiots."
Those are incredibly harsh words, especially considering Windows has dominated computers for decades. The reasoning behind the damning claim, as it has been for the last few days, is the awful PC sales recorded during the first quarter of 2013. Microsoft has borne the brunt of the blame, causing analysts to openly debate whether or not Windows 8 is an epic failure.
ZDNet's Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols is the latest to take up the pen against Windows 8, but he was even more pointed.
"Some people think I've put too much emphasis on Windows 8's dismal Metro interface for why Windows 8 has failed," he wrote. "I don't think so. This isn't a matter of judging a book by its cover; the user interface (UI) is everything for computer users. If the UI alienates users, you lose them. It's as simple as that."
Chief among his complaints is the fact that instead of listening to consumers, Microsoft will use Windows 8.1 Blue to double down on Windows 8's Metro Live Tile UI.
"It looks like Microsoft is betting all its chips on the silly notion that Metro will be the one true interface for its entire PC and device line," he added. "There's only one little problem with this idea. Sorry, but I have to say it again, look at the numbers: Metro-interface operating systems have already failed."
Interestingly, Vaughan-Nichols notes that the least Microsoft could do was offer users an option between the Metro UI and the traditional Windows desktop. A day after this article was published, rumors began circulating that Windows 8.1 Blue would offer users the ability to bypass Metro and boot straight to the classic desktop. It's not quite bringing back the Start button, but it would be interesting to know if the possibility would ease his doom saying or not.
