Even Lebron Can't Help Microsoft's New Vista
Remember when a Microsoft rollout of a new operating system really meant something? It was back in the day when Bill Gates ruled the computer world, with his patented me-too brand of innovation (basically copying Apple and other more creative competitors). Back then, the software giant left nothing to chance, even famously buying an entire edition of the London Times to hype its Windows XP product launch. But that was before Google overtook Microsoft as the primary driver of web and software innovations.
Gates' crew is back at it again, this time wanly going through the motions, though with less conviction, of a launch of its Vista operating system. This time, even the experts and nerds are mostly yawning. The near-universal thrust of their advice: you can safely wait to upgrade. Sales in the first week were less than half of what Windows XP produced. I missed the commercials, but happened to catch this Sports Illustrated mention of Lebron's appearance in a cameo role to support the Vista launch. It's just one more piece of his homeboy handlers' vision of turning the Lebron brand into an international juggernaut by the time the Beijing Olympics hit in 2008.
4 Comments:
All the rollout festivities in the world can't overcome the abyssmal buzz. My wife says Vista refuses to work with most of their existing apps.
Remember back when an upgrade meant that the product was better? Ah, good times.
Yes, one of the geek reviews I read said this system won't really be ready for primetime for almost a year, until they bring out the so-called "service pack," the series of patches to fix bugs. What a weird business software is. You bring out a product before it's ready--and remember, this thing is out almost a couple years later than they initially estimated--and then overcharge for it and overhype it. Kind of reminiscent of the days of "vaporware."
Anyway, Scott, thanks for visiting, all the way from Summit County.
Shalom John,
I've always worked on the assumption that no MicroSoft product is safe or even close to ready for prime time until at least 12 months after its introduction.
Vista is particularly buggy because of all the anti-file sharing widgets loading it down.
B'shalom,
Jeff
I'm forgetting if you're a Mac guy, Jeff. I think not. At least not yet.
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