6 replies to this topic

[qubit]

The writer of this story has said it perfectly in his comments - exactly what I would say.

The packaging for Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 operating system, due for general release on October 26, has been leaked. Since the new OS comes in two flavours, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, the packaging comes in two versions too.

The Windows 8 box is white, the angled window logo showing prominently, with arty colours showing through it, along with an angled strip on the right, showing a similar arty pattern. The Windows 8 Pro box is similar, showing the same designs, but uses a dark grey background instead.

I don't know about you, but to me, this doesn't look like packaging for software to be taken seriously, since it seems to be more concerned with making an abstract arty statement, rather than indicating something that powers the vast majority of the world's computers. It certainly isn't marketed at business users that's for sure, which is the market segment that has made Microsoft's fortunes up to now. We'll soon know if Microsoft made the right design decisions with Windows 8, by measuring its success in an unforgiving marketplace.

Legit Reviews

[Sinzia]

The box is designed to do one thing- get your attention on the shelf. I was at Best Buy today getting a few games on clearance, and I noticed all the MS software (Win7, office) and -every- box looked the same, it was half an isle of monotony.

These boxes shake that up a bit, they catch the eye, and make you say "Hmm, that's new!"

[alexp999]

Is it just me or does it look like a really old Win 95 box?

[Static~Charge]

It does have that early 90's look to it....

[qubit]

Yup, it's 90s technology presented as new. Thanks Microsoft.

[alexp999]

I take it back, this is the box it reminded me of and we all know how well this OS went down...

[Static~Charge]

In 2000 & 2001, the software company that I worked for had two Window ME test machines, called Bite-Me and Kick-Me. That pretty much summed up our attitude about the o.s.

Edited by Static~Charge, 09 August 2012 - 06:06 PM.