This post isn't directly related to PC gaming, but I'd recon it would still be an interesting read. You will find references to gaming, though.
From a purely technical point of view, Windows 8 is just a faster, more efficient and improved version of Windows 7. Microsoft has a history of releasing good and bad Windows Operating Systems alternately (Windows 98/2000 were good but Windows ME was terrible. Windows XP was a resounding success whereas Windows Vista was a broken OS which was probably released while still in Beta Testing phase. Then again, Windows 7 is considered the best version of Windows while Windows 8 was widely panned). But the main difference is, previous Windows OSs which flopped (like Window ME and Windows Vista) had some fundamental technical shortcomings whereas there was technically nothing wrong with Windows 8. So then, what really went wrong? Read on to find out.
Microsoft had really ambitious plans for Windows 8. Their idea was to provide a streamlined experience across all devices using the Windows OS and create an ecosystem which allows complete cloud-based backup and synchronization across the devices (which include PCs, laptops, Windows Phones, Windows tablets and to a certain extent, also the XBox consoles). In fact, Windows 8 has slightly lower system requirements compared to Windows 7, and boots up much faster too.There was actually no way that this ambitious initiative could possibly fail, but Microsoft still managed to botch it up due to poor decision making and a hint of arrogance.
Their biggest blunder was the decision to force the touch-based Metro UI as the default interface down the throats of PC/laptop users without a touchscreen, and the removal of the start menu. This UI was really cumbersome to use with a keyboard and mouse/touchpad. The once-familar desktop was relegated to just a 'legacy app' on Windows 8. Windows users who were accustomed to the 'desktop and start menu' interface for over a decade, realized that they had to struggle to perform tasks which they could easily do earlier. In other words, they actually had to 'learn' to use the Windows OS all over again. Switching between Metro apps and regular desktop apps was a chore. And at times, people were totally confused and lost. To cut a long story short, Windows 8 was a totally unorganized mess with two entirely different interfaces. I'm sure everyone agrees that this is annoying. But when you consider this in terms of office-based usage, it results in a criminal decrease in productivity. In Microsoft's defense, this change was necessary in order to achieve their primary goal. And they did achieve this objective to a certain extent (I owned a PC and laptop with Windows 8 and also a Windows Phone 8 based smartphone, so I could appreciate the actual good stuff). But if they had just provided a simple option for the user to choose the default interface (desktop or Metro) before installation and retained the start menu for the desktop, then Windows 8 would have been a resounding success. Agreed, it is possible to use third party apps like Start8 or Classic Shell to obtain the same interface as the previous versions of Windows with the performance/efficiency of Windows 8. But most people (who are casual users) wouldn't be aware of these options, or may not want to spend an additional $5 after buying a brand new OS at full price.
It was Microsoft's foolishness (and perhaps, arrogance) to assume that users would lap up their offering in spite of their stubbornness not to include the option to choose the default interface. Since this was achievable using third party apps, it meant that Microsoft never actually removed the code for the start menu or making desktop the default UI. They justified their decision in several ways and even posted encouraging sales figures for Windows 8. Still, its an open secret that Windows 8 was a failure which actually made most users develop hatred towards Microsoft and call for an end to Microsoft's monopoly in the desktop/laptop market. Valve's Steam service, which is the major digital gaming service on the PC, never even officially supported Windows 8 (although Steam did run without issues). In fact, the backlash was so huge that it resulted in the immediate resignation of Steven Sinofsky (president of the Windows division) and was one of the major factors for Steve Balmer's decision to retire within a year.
Microsoft still didn't want to give up on Windows 8 and accept defeat, so they began their 'damage control' tactics. In this regard, they announced Windows 8.1 which boasted a host of usability-related improvements over Windows 8 (although they were still adamant about not bringing back the start menu). People who actually bothered to try Windows 8.1 (me included) were convinced that it was a significantly improved experience compared to Windows 8. But these people were the minority because the damage was already done, and most users had decided to avoid anything related to Windows 8 like plague. Of course, Windows 8's failure couldn't have had much impact on Microsoft's long term revenue, but it dealt a massive blow to Microsoft's reputation as a brand.
Microsoft recently revealed their plans to release Windows 9 during 2015, and indirectly hinted that they wouldn't want to have anything to do with Windows 8. If they manage to restore the usability of Windows 7 and also retain the best features of Windows 8/8.1, then Windows 9 could turn out to be a winner. It would also continue Microsoft's tradition of releasing successful operating systems alternately. In any case, Microsoft is an innovative company who do value customer feedback (reversal of their initial XBox One policies is proof of that). So hopefully, the negative feedback regarding Windows 8 was just a wake-up call for them, and they'll be back with a bang with Windows 9. Fingers crossed!
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