Breaking Windows is a good idea for Microsoft’s Mobile Efforts

Latest SlashGear column can be found here

Among the most glaring things missing from Microsoft’s consumer strategy was a cohesive message between diverse business units. There needed to be a clearly articulated message that recognizes that mobility features among products are interrelated. That means that Windows 7, Windows Phone, XBox, Xune etc all have to work together. It looks like Microsoft is finally getting that message and taking users to that place. Breaking compatibility with older Windows Mobile devices was a hard decision, but it was the right way how to get where they need to be. Sure, it means older stuff takes a hit but more importantly it means there will much more evangelism and excitement for developers who will be able to leverage Microsoft technologies such as Silverlight and XNA to develop across platforms.

Linux on the desktop: Still not happening

Latest Computerworld column can be found here.

“we could use a revolutionary change in the PC market, and certainly the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS were far more evolutionary than revolutionary. Nonetheless, business customers are wise to heed the words of Damon Runyon when it comes to making their choice of an operating platform: “The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.”

Will Surface ever surface?

My latest Engadget column can be found here.

“Surface could have been an extremely important product for Microsoft. First, it showed innovation was alive and well in Redmond. Second, it showed the market in a clear and concrete way that Microsoft can still take conceptual ideas and turn them into products. Sadly, Surface ultimately showed that Microsoft still can’t figure out markets and how to get products into the hands of real users.
products.”