I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this, but Microsoft seems to be changing (and so is Apple, but that’s another story). Personally, I think it’s for the better. However, in everything that they seem to be doing better, they are always just playing catch-up. From the Vista operating system that brings OS user experiences up to par with those already being delivered by Apple to the Live initiative that recreates the software development and release methodology of Google (i.e. Betas). It’s funny that the two companies that I mention don’t really do what the other one does. Google doesn’t really release software that you want to lick and Apple rarely releases beta versions of their software.

And so, if Microsoft is now deciding that it needs to do something or get left behind, then is that bad? I would venture a guess and say no, it’s not bad. In fact, since Microsoft still dominates the personal computer market, the benefits of better design and usability can be had by a lot more people.

I suppose that you could take the stance that there is no need to wait around for the giant slow-moving company to catch up when a smaller, quicker group of people are already providing a better product. The problem is that a LOT of people depend on the giant. I mean, come on, Microsoft isn’t a huge company because its products are only used by a small group of people. Even for myself, I have a MacBook Pro (that I love) but I’m forced to Boot Camp into Windows XP everyday because of the programs I need for web development.

So, if we are stuck here, then can’t we make this a more livable space to be? More importantly, can we support those on the inside who are just trying to do something “cool”?