![]() The possibilities for a new era of multi-platform apps are seemingly infinite. Now that Apple is embracing shared hardware across its tablet and desktop/notebook platforms, the company’s playbook has significantly expanded. It would be a mistake to completely rule out the possibility of Apple merging both operating systems. Regardless, WWDC 21 could be full of surprises. While some of the foundational Windows 10X technology may show up in future versions of Windows, Microsoft’s decision to hit the pause button on 10X underscores the challenge of getting mainstream users to explore new usage models. Microsoft intended for Windows 10X to support dual-screen form factors that could drive new usage models. Beyond the company’s internal reasons for not going down the “combo” OS path, Microsoft’s recent decision that Windows 10X will not appear in 2021 (or possibly ever) may validate Apple’s reluctance to overhaul its core usage models in the PC space. Of course, Apple could be giving us one of the great head fakes in the history of technology, but the pushback seems genuine and authentic.Īpple doesn’t make decisions in a vacuum. There seems to be an influential constituency within Apple that believes the desktop, portable and tablet markets are best served with an OS designed specifically for those devices. Even if Apple doesn’t combine both operating systems, developers can still benefit from only having to produce a single version of their apps (with different graphical user interfaces for touch and mouse-based uses). By having a common, proprietary silicon architecture at the desktop, portable and tablet levels, the company is able to keep its options open. Given the above, I wouldn’t bet the farm on Apple announcing a formal integration of macOS and iOS at WWDC 2021. Will Apple answer the big question at WWDC 2021? ![]() Apple may believe that a merger of the two would require usability concessions that set the overall user experience several steps backward. ![]() From an Apple perspective, the two operating systems provide two distinct user experiences. In this scenario, touch is not a priority. ![]() Conversely, Apple designed MacOS with the assumption that the user’s hands will constantly rest on a keyboard and mouse. Apple’s point is that smartphones and tablets, unlike desktops and PCs, require you to look directly at the device all the time, making it easier to use. Even then, Apple made the case that notebook and (especially) desktop users would suffer from “gorilla arm” syndrome, where a user tires of constantly reaching over the keyboard to touch the PC display. Microsoft stirred the pot by formally introducing “touch” into its operating systems with Windows 8 in 2012. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |