2012 had been a big year for Microsoft which is a surprising thing to say because generally the tech giant would appear to have quite quiet compared to past years. Nevertheless, 2012 saw the release of Windows 8, which could mark a big turning point for the company. What Microsoft seem to be doing is something I wholly applaud; putting the same operating system across different platforms. Hence we see windows 8 on smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops and even gaming machines. So far, only televisions, radios, cars, and cameras seem to have avoided Windows 8 but, who knows, maybe Microsoft are working on these devices too!

Okay, we all know Windows 8 is not without its problems and seems to work better on some devices than others but the basic benefit is that the user needs only to learn of operating system in order to use a range of devices. This should help reduce the need to provide users with basic operating training before introducing new devices or software services, which I’d hope would be a great boon to teacher training as teachers time is very value and the more we can focus on purpose and benefit rather than introduction, the better. I’d hope also that teachers would feel more confident in using and introducing new services into their learning environments once they find they do not have such a steep learning curve in having to learn a new operating system before hand.

Of course, many of you will say that Linux has been available across a range of devices for a long time but people have often not realised it because it is heavily customised. That may well be true but my experience of Linux, especially the Ubuntu variety, makes me convinced that it should never be brought anywhere near schools. I have several bricked desktops and laptops to attest to this.

My feeling is that although the concept of using the same OS across devices is not entirely new, Microsoft’s approach with Windows 8 is a very interesting one to monitor. Hopefully, we should start to see new user interfaces appear in the coming year as alternatives to the ‘metro’ one, some of which might be better suited to school use. Hopefully, also, the portage of the OS across devices may help with learners using their own devices both in school and outside.

What Microsoft still have, which Apple and Linux do not, is a large base of educational applications and a base of users who are already familiar with them. If these applications can be successfully ported to Windows 8, then Microsoft can expect to be on to a winner. 2013 will be an interesting year to watch.