Google’s vice president of design Matias Duarte has launched a scathing attack on Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system.
In a number of stinging tweets posted on Monday (via The Verge), the man behind Google’s Material Design ethos, claimed the new OS was ‘more like Windows 10 years ago.’
After testing out the new Surface 4, Duarte said the Microsoft’s latest platform was ‘basically XP with a flat design skin’
https://twitter.com/statuses/661255019082088448
https://twitter.com/statuses/661255907230117888
While Windows 10 isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea, it’s rare to see such overt criticism from high ranking members of rival tech firms. The odd backhanded comment, maybe, but that?
In a reply to one Twitter user who questioned his viewpoint, Duarte added: “I had expected a very different new and exciting paradigm. Sadly, at first glance everything is the same…”
Of course there are some striking similarities within Windows 10, such as the return of the Start Menu, while the overall look and feel of the OS remains in sync with previous generations.
However, the OS has undoubtedly come on in leaps and bounds since Windows 8, let alone since the the 2001 release of XP.
Features like Cortana, The Action Centre, Microsoft’s Edge browser, Universal apps and Virtual Desktops have helped to significantly modernise Windows, but for Duarte everything just looks too familiar.
Of course, for all of Material Design’s forward-thinking merits, it’s all pretty rich coming from the man who, as VP of design, surely had at least a say in that new company logo.
See also: Worst logo redesigns ever
Do you agree with the Google man? Share your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.