Paul Allen Calls Windows 8 Puzzling and Confusing

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Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has posted a review of the Windows 8 operating system on his blog. While the review is generally positive, he does admit that the new OS might be “puzzling” for some users.

He wrote:

The new tablet features in Windows 8 are particularly bold and innovative. A few minor issues aside, I’m impressed with its clever integration of a bimodal interface to simultaneously support both desktop and tablet use in the same operating system. I found the gesture navigation on the tablet to be quite satisfying and responsive. And in general, I find Windows 8 to be snappier and more responsive than Windows 7.

I did encounter some puzzling aspects of Windows 8. The bimodal user experience can introduce confusion, especially when two versions of the same application – such as Internet Explorer – can be opened and run simultaneously.

In The Register, Neil McAllister noted, “Allen also found – surprise, surprise – that although the touch-centric Start Screen might be great for tablets, its UI was often counterintuitive when running on a desktop PC with a traditional keyboard and mouse combo. Some of the touch controls are hidden, Allen writes, and there aren’t any on-screen clues to let users know how to find them. Also, he says some of the swiping, sliding, and scrolling controls didn’t translate well between the Windows 8’s two modes.”

Referring to the Allen blog, TechRadar’s Michelle Fitzsimmons said, “It’s refreshing to hear an honest opinion about an upcoming product from someone with a personal and financial stake in the company.”

Computerworld’s Gregg Keizer noted, “Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, left the company in 1983 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He is best known in the Pacific Northwest as the owner of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers, and as a part-owner of the MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC.” He added, “Now 59, Allen is worth an estimated $15 billion, enough to rank No. 20 on the 2012 Forbes list of the wealthiest Americans.”