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by numpad0 2166 days ago
Could you elaborate a bit on why do you think full Windows on IoT is a game changer...

I think it’ll drive up unit cost by few hundred dollars on top of tenfold degradation in experience, so my gut feeling is it’s completely disconnected from reality.

That said Microsoft seemed to think the way you think at least at one point, so you’re not alone at all, and it’s interesting where the misunderstanding come from.
1 comments
skohan 2166 days ago
Yeah I also find this take confusing. The main USP for Windows is that it runs proprietary software which has been captured through vendor lock-in. Even if you are somebody who just likes windows for some reason, I'm not sure what the value-add would be for a machine with no UI
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BlahGod420 2163 days ago
I am thinking about how a machine might expose a UI to an AR viewer of some kind. So, the scenario is: you throw on a pair of AR glasses and open the network-viewing app. I imagine being able to see UIs for thermostats, media players, audio equipment, etc. I suspect a Windows IoT device might get one closer to such a goal? Maybe not?
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skohan 2162 days ago
How would a windows device be closer to that goal? All you would need to make it work is some kind of standardized protocol for how IOT devices advertise data and controls.

The only thing Windows would "do better" would be adding layers of proprietary software and telemetry which would probably reduce performance and make it harder to work with.

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6c696e7578 2166 days ago
> I'm not sure what the value-add would be for a machine with no UI

Educational lock-in. The RPI is a device for learning about computers. MS directly target the classroom at the moment, get people locked in early with online accounts, and then progress that into workplace familiarity.

I don't think employers want to spend the money to educate staff on using a Ubuntu-based desktop, even though that has a proven lower TCO.

Get them when they're in the class room. The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.

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skohan 2166 days ago
Yeah I mean I can understand the value to MS but I don't see it for anyone else.
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