More Microsoft exec departures mark end of a Windows era:
http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-wi ... era-233279Two of the people who saved Windows -- Jon DeVaan and Grant George, who delivered Windows 7 from the jaws of Windows infamy -- left the company earlier this week. Two more -- Julie Larson-Green and Jensen Harris -- whom many blame, er, "credit" with the Office ribbon and Windows tinker toy tiles, have found new homes buried deep in corporate nowhere land. Former Windows chief Steve Sinofsky jumped ship more than a year ago, probably because he was denied Ballmer's CEO brass ring. And Antoine Leblond of the original Office 95-2007/Windows 7-8 inner circle remains missing in action.
Larson-Green, Harris and Sinofsky, good riddance. The rest are really a shame.
These departures/transfers not only solidify a complete housecleaning of the Windows effort, they mark the end of a "monolithic Windows" era.
Indeed!
More important, the breakup of the old crew sends as clear a sign as any that the powers-that-be at Microsoft realize Windows 8 screwed up big time: The whole management team responsible for Windows 8 has just hung out the "gone fishing" sign.
You sure? Some still seem to have a boner for the "Modern" UI:
http://www.businessinsider.com/microsof ... ain-2014-2"I meaningful, firmly believe that it is a good UI metaphor," said Belfiore. "It is a unique differentiator. I love tiles, I am exited about them. We had some drop in user happiness, but tiles aren't the reason."
Although, he is talking about changing it to be a little more mouse/keyboard friendly:
The new UI will add a search control, power button, and settings in more visible locations for users. "You'll find them where you expect them," said Belfiore. Microsoft also changed the behavior for "right-clicking" on a mouse. You'll get contextual information on a tile. Further, when an app takes over a screen, users will see a familiar red X icon to get out of the big screen.
Coming from someone who said that he's excited about tiles, I doubt he really gets it. Maybe someone else will see. I'm beyond giving the corporation another chance.
