PC makers plan rebellion against Windows at 2014 CES, analysts say - Polidicks

[QUOTE]Fearing rapidly plummeting sales of traditional laptops and desktop computers -- which collapsed by as much as 10 percent in 2013 -- manufacturers are planning a revolution against Microsoft and the standard Windows operating system, analysts say. At the mammoth Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early January, multiple computer makers will unveil systems that simultaneously run two different operating systems, both Windows and the Android OS that powers many of the world’s tablets and smartphones, two different analysts said recently. The new devices will be called “PC Plus” machines, explained Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies. "A PC Plus machine will run Windows 8.1 but will also run Android apps as well," Bajarin wrote recently for Time. "They are doing this through software emulation. I'm not sure what kind of performance you can expect, but this is their way to try and bring more touch-based apps to the Windows ecosystem." These machines will be able to switch nearly instantly between the two operating systems, according to Computerworld, either booting both interfaces at the same time or running tablet apps meant for Android within a window, explained Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "This is going to make buzz at CES," Moorhead told Computerworld. "OEMs will be trumpeting this ... it's going to be a very hot topic [at the trade show]." The move is the latest push back against Microsoft and its Windows 8 operating system, an attempt at dramatic transformation of the traditional Windows desktop to incorporate touch screens and portable tablet shapes. Consumers responded poorly, with widespread complaints about an interface that, while wonderful on tablets, essentially ignored the hundreds of millions of computer users worldwide that rely on mice and keyboards to interact with their systems. Desktop and laptop PC sales fell dramatically in 2013, according to data from research firm IDC. And sales of tablets running Windows 8, while growing, have in no way replaced them. "The Windows-based tablet market … is expected to grow to 39.3 million units in 2017 from less than 7.5 million in 2013 and less than 1 million in 2011. However, relative to a PC market size of roughly 300 million units, these Windows tablets would add just a couple percent a year relative to PC growth," said Loren Loverde, a vice president with IDC. Microsoft plans yet another update to Windows 8 to address user concerns, likely called Windows 8.2. In the meantime the company has launched a campaign to disparage systems running Google's OS, especially Chromebooks, which are yet another alternative to the traditional Windows PC. A new TV ads in Microsoft's "Scroogled" campaign suggest that a Chromebook is "not a real laptop." That hasn't stopped the low-cost systems from taking off, especially in education markets. Moorhead suggests that “PC Plus” devices mean manufacturers won’t wait for Windows 8.2 or other efforts to "fix" the operating system, instead experimenting with ways to desert Microsoft for alternatives. "[PC Plus] could get millions of consumers more comfortable with Android on PCs," said Moorhead. "Just imagine for a second what happens when Android gets an improved large-screen experience." "This should scare the heck out of Microsoft," he added.[/QUOTE] [url]http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/12/27/pc-makers-plan-rebellion-against-windows-at-ces-analysts-say/[/url]

What the hell is that going to do to help sales figures? Why would anyone want android stuff on their PC? I really don't think this is going to change anything relating to units sold tbh, in its current state Android would be a hindrance on PC.

who the hell would want android on their PC? seems pointless.

[QUOTE=zhalcyon441;43366917]who the hell would want android on their PC? seems pointless.[/QUOTE] [url]http://www.android-x86.org/[/url]

I just want a goddamn normal windows pc a la 98 or 7 for my mom. While ago I went to the store to buy her a brand new laptop and the only thing they sell is Windows 8. Had A LOT of difficulties and bugs with it so I returned it. Eventually I got her a Macbook Air.. and I fucking hate Macs, kinda proves a point for me.

Why would you even make an Android PC? I hardly see this being successful.

[QUOTE=arthuro12;43366938]I just want a goddamn normal windows pc a la 98 or 7 for my mom. While ago I went to the store to buy her a brand new laptop and the only thing they sell is Windows 8. Had A LOT of difficulties and bugs with it so I returned it. Eventually I got her a Macbook Air.. and I fucking hate Macs, kinda proves a point for me.[/QUOTE] Mac is probably perfect for your mom, though. Macs are good presents for not-very-computer-savvy parents and grandparents because that way you don't have to deal with them calling you ever other day about something breaking... Though, I digress. wasn't the biggest problem with windows 8 that it was dumbed down for mobile? Won't this only make it WORSE?

"We need to sell more PCs!" [I]"I know! Touch! Swype! Gestures! Touch! [B]TOUCH![/B]"[/I] Why is this always the progression of things

Because it seems that the market wants less buttons and more touching. Which is the worst thing.

I'm not making a prediction, but merely asking a question: Why would this restore interest from the consumer? What does providing Android allow that Windows 8 doesn't? Now, Windows 8 by all means is whacky and unsatisfactory, but by putting another tablet-based operating system on a Windows tablet doesn't seem like it would give a great push to the consumer base. I wouldn't buy an Android + iOS tablet because Android already provides all the stuff I need, and the only person that I could see liking the idea of a dual-tablet-OS-thing would be developers, and even then it doesn't really seem like that much of a benefit. (I like separation.) However, I'm happy that this "rebellion" is taking place not because I want it to succeed but because I want Microsoft to understand that they did a bad job at a "one size fits all" operating system. One size doesn't fit all - it needs to be more dynamic to its environment. It's this kind of stuff that makes me really want to switch to Linux. Sadly, the applications I want and need to use are on Windows. [QUOTE={TFS} Rock Su;43366979]Because it seems that the market wants less buttons and more touching. Which is the worst thing.[/QUOTE] I think that touch screens are neat in the sense that you can create and customize an application interface without the restriction of predefined buttons. However, when people take it to the next level and make everything all pinchy zoomy crazy nonsense, it makes the touch screen horribly gimmicky. [QUOTE=Vodkavia;43366953]If you want to REALLY sidestep Microsoft's bullshit push n' polish a Lunix distribution.[/QUOTE] Why isn't a company man enough to do this? Really, I think that this would create some extremely successful competition with Microsoft and Apple if done right.

[QUOTE=wauterboi;43366997]I'm not making a prediction, but merely asking a question: Why would this restore interest from the consumer? What does providing Android allow that Windows 8 doesn't? Now, Windows 8 by all means is whacky and unsatisfactory, but by putting another tablet-based operating system on a Windows tablet doesn't seem like it would give a great push to the consumer base. I wouldn't buy an Android + iOS tablet because Android already provides all the stuff I need, and the only person that I could see liking the idea of a dual-tablet-OS-thing would be developers, and even then it doesn't really seem like that much of a benefit. (I like separation.) However, I'm happy that this "rebellion" is taking place not because I want it to succeed but because I want Microsoft to understand that they did a bad job at a "one size fits all" operating system. One size doesn't fit all - it needs to be more dynamic to its environment. It's this kind of stuff that makes me really want to switch to Linux. Sadly, the applications I want and need to use are on Windows. I think that touch screens are neat in the sense that you can create and customize an application interface without the restriction of predefined buttons. However, when people take it to the next level and make everything all pinchy zoomy crazy nonsense, it makes the touch screen horribly gimmicky.[/QUOTE] Lucky for you steam box MIGHT just have a chance at changing some of that in your favor. Also, pinch to zoom is about as far as it should have gone. It just kinda gets dumb past that.

[quote]Fearing rapidly plummeting sales of traditional laptops and desktop computers -- which collapsed by as much as 10 percent in 2013[/quote] Hmm, I wonder if this is because of everyone trying to make an unnatural push towards mobile comput- [QUOTE]multiple computer makers will unveil systems that simultaneously run two different operating systems, both Windows and the Android OS that powers many of the world’s tablets and smartphones, two different analysts said recently.[/QUOTE] Oh for fuck's sake.

[QUOTE=Usernameztaken;43367010]Lucky for you steam box MIGHT just have a chance at changing some of that in your favor.[/QUOTE] I still use Jeskola Buzz (a modular tracker for Windows 98) and the Adobe suite. There are alternatives, but I would have to see Adobe porting to Linux before I make the jump, especially since I do little bits of graphics and music for mods and stuff. [b]EDIT:[/b] Oh, I think you're trying to say that Steam is making a huge push for Linux which I think is awesome! Hopefully Valve can get companies onto the bandwagon.

fuck all this touch stuff honestly don't see what manufacturers and developers see in it. sure it's cool for mobile platforms, but for PCs? really?

I disabled ExpressGate for a reason Android on a desktop will face a similar fate

[QUOTE=PredGD;43367047]fuck all this touch stuff honestly don't see what manufacturers and developers see in it. sure it's cool for mobile platforms, but for PCs? really?[/QUOTE] Never really understood the point in touch screen PCs. I can understand on phones and tablets but when I'm sat at a computer I don't want to be touching the screen constantly. A mouse and keyboard serves me fine.

Don't worry guys, Razer is here to save PC again. [IMG]http://abload.de/img/unbenannteus98.png[/IMG] [url]https://www.facebook.com/minliangtan/posts/629422723782180[/url]

[QUOTE=Mitsuma;43367230]Don't worry guys, Razer is here to save PC again.[/QUOTE] You're being sarcastic right? What has Razer ever done for the PC again? Other than convincing a few gamers that their overpriced gaudy merchandise is a necessity.

[QUOTE=Elecbullet;43366968]"We need to sell more PCs!" [I]"I know! Touch! Swype! Gestures! Touch! [B]TOUCH![/B]"[/I] Why is this always the progression of things[/QUOTE] Well [B]OBVIOUSLY[/B] if W8 focused on tablet-like UI and it didn't sell, while the more traditional W7 sold boatloads, it means that customers want more tablet/smartphone features, duh.

I wonder if Gabe has foreseen this and if it's part of his game.

Gabe sees all

Way I see it the whole computer space has just become so diversified not everyone needs a tower in their room. Which means consumer options and is thus a good thing in my opinion. Can't see how pushing for mobile support will significantly strengthen the position of said towers tho, given that a lot of software for portables is designed with the mobility of the platform in mind and doesn't enforce the advantages of towers. It just smells like desperately trying to not fall behind instead of having an actual idea of what to do. [QUOTE=Awesomecaek;43367308]I wonder if Gabe has foreseen this and if it's part of his game.[/QUOTE] I think he's more concerned about Microsoft locking down the system to push/force their own market place, like consoles and certain portables. Locking down wouldn't mean Valve would be exempt from selling their stuff on there of course, but they haven't exactly made the best experiences with having to deal with a middle man to maintain their games, especially when it comes to updating. Imagine they'd had to pay for it every little DOTA2 update. Plus Valve has a long history of supporting modders, can't imagine they philosophically agree with locking down systems either.

[QUOTE=arthuro12;43366938]I just want a goddamn normal windows pc a la 98 or 7 for my mom. While ago I went to the store to buy her a brand new laptop and the only thing they sell is Windows 8. Had A LOT of difficulties and bugs with it so I returned it. Eventually I got her a Macbook Air.. and I fucking hate Macs, kinda proves a point for me.[/QUOTE] I never had any bugs with my windows 8, my mother has a windows 8 laptop too and she didnt break anything or didnt knew how to use it. Also instead of buying a macbook how about putting windows 7 or any linux based os on the device?

If sales are plummeting, maybe they should be making better products at price points that aren't Mac territory instead of pushing Android on PCs.

[QUOTE=Skanic;43367505]I never had any bugs with my windows 8, my mother has a windows 8 laptop too and she didnt break anything or didnt knew how to use it. Also instead of buying a macbook how about putting windows 7 or any linux based os on the device?[/QUOTE] The beauty of Apple products is that Apple are really good at working with people who suck at computers. My dad has a Mac and any time he has a problem, I don't have to go over to his place to fix it like I would if it was a Windows PC, he just takes it to the Apple Store and it's fixed in 20 minutes.

When I saw the title I thought this is going to be some sort of Linux distribution with more user-friendly UI or even Windows-like UI like Mint to coexist with SteamOS, but no it's just another attempt to make touchscreen OS work on desktop.

I half expected a dedicated gaming OS. I expect too much.

Hmmmmmm... keyboard/mouse-friendly android? I'd be A-OK with that really. The ability to run android apps on a desktop without relying on things like bluestacks would be nice.

I'd rather use Windows 8 than Android on my PC. While Windows 8 is a schizophrenic, stupid, clunky POS, it at least has a legacy desktop mode. Android on PC would have most of Windows 8's problems while having no advantages over it. At work I switched to Linux (from Windows 7) and while I like it, I would never, ever recommend it to someone who isn't very, very tech savvy. Even Ubuntu and Mint have problems you can only solve in the terminal (if at all). After over a year I still haven't managed to change my primary monitor.

.