Tom Warren, The Verge:
The simplification throughout its app strategy, and Microsoft’s message to developers is fresh, and the Metro approach across three screens (Xbox, Windows Phone, Windows) is starting to become a reality rather than a promise. Microsoft now needs the full backing of its Windows developer community to bring Windows 8 to market. If what we have seen in the Consumer Preview is anything to go by then Microsoft’s Metro apps have a chance to redefine Windows as a whole.
Windows 8 really seems like a breath of fresh air in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft is smartly working on consistency and interoperability between device scales. However, as Warren notes, the key to success will be developer adoption. It may be a tough road ahead for Microsoft.
For Apple, the success of iOS devices spurred amazing developer interest. That interest has since trickled to the desktop operating system. The end result is a thriving and integrated Apple experience for consumers. Conversely, Microsoft is having trouble gaining traction in the mobile market with Windows Phone.
To get the company rolling again, Microsoft needs heavy developer involvement in Windows 8. The hope is that a renewed interest in the desktop operating system will trickle down to the mobile side. All of a sudden, Microsoft could have a thriving and integrated experience for customers with Windows, Windows Phone, and Xbox Live. I for one hope they succeed. Great competition produces great innovation and consumers win.