vehve, Dh likes 10 too, but the information gathering has not really come into play yet. The information gathering that 10 is aiming for will include EVERYTHING you do on your computer, and in most cases, your phones, and tablets as well. All will sync up. Businesses will pay Microsoft for advertising, which you can't control, targeting the most likely groups of people that would buy their products, and/or services base on the data they've collected. This goes for everything from the grocery stores, to hardware stores, to doctors, to
Amazon. In addition, all software will eventually have to be obtained through their online store, and it's app based, just like on smart phones, most of which is going to be geared towards subscription based usability, sort of like Microsoft office is now. That doesn't seem so bad for now, but given time, and this too will evolve into monthly payments, since it's easier to collect smaller amounts of money more frequently, than larger amounts yearly, but it will total up to a lot more than buying the software the way we have been able to until now. Example: In 2007 I got the Enterprise version of Microsoft Office, with everything. (I hate Word, but love Publisher). I was about to buy the latest version, when they switched to subscription based services. Dh has to renew his yearly, whether the timing on the money is right or not, otherwise he's out of luck. Let the car break down, or an emergency crop up around the time the subscription needs renewing, and tough luck. Mine works perfectly, and I don't have to worry about renewing it. As to how the latest and greatest does so much more....more often than not it's a "facelift" so it looks different, but nothing exciting has really been added to the program itself. I usually buy a new version of Nero every 2-4 years for the same reason, unless something really great has been added. I was first in line for a new version when they added HD, Blu-Ray, and Surround Sound capabilities (not in that order). BUT let's not forget the information collecting, and advertising. Let's say I've paid for a yearly subscription to Nero. During the year, especially around renewal time, I will be flooded by ads from Nero competitors. Do you really think the Microsoft Store is going to allow an ad blocking app? It would cut into their money making abilities if they did, so it's doubtful they would allow an ad blocking app. Next come the symbols you find on products in the stores. For now, you can scan those and it takes you to the webpage with information about the product. This can be automated when they get everything in place at the Microsoft Store, so you are at Wal Mart, or the mall, and everything you approach to look at, or pick up is automatically registered. It's not about computing anymore, it's about marketing. Climbing off my soapbox now.
