Microsoft, Confused?

I have been watching Microsoft transform slowly over a number of years, going through many transformations in the name of progress. However, my question is, how does this all fit together?
Although I am a true Microsoft user, I feel that at the moment, the delivery of Microsoft's services are getting very convoluted and confused. I think this is due in part to Microsoft's size, diversity and methodology.
The other day I set about trying to understand what has happened with Microsoft and why everything seems to have slowed down since the release of Phone7.

The main biting point I could find in the current slowdown of MS is the tablet form factor. Apple have re-invented the wheel once again with the iPad, convincing everyone that they need such a pointless device. This has now created an expectation in the market for an equivalent Microsoft device. The issue with this is that currently, Microsoft have no operating system available for such a form factor and from what I can find, no actual vision of what such a device should look like, work like or 'do'. Windows doesn't natively support touch and Microsoft don't think the Phone7 OS would suit a device of that size. I agree with them.

Around the time of the iPad, Microsoft actually already had a device that was pretty much ready for market. The Courier. From what I saw of this device, it actually looked really cool. The concept was less of a tablet, than a replacement for a paper notebook, with a lot of added functionality.

I think this device would fit a lot better into my lifestyle than the iPad. For me, if I want to portably browse the internet I already have a laptop or phone, having a third device that is a direct mix of phone and laptop just seems pointless. But check out how this courier works and tell me what you think of the concept…

VIDEO

However, The bad news if you liked this, is that Microsoft have totally scrapped the courier to work on their workflow model.
The issue Microsoft is having is what I would class as a methodology problem; they may allow for innovation, they may even break a few boundaries in the process. But just before something goes to market they get cold feet and pull out. Or constantly change the direction of the product; worried that it will be another Vista, or another DX10.
There is a history of bureaucracy in Redmond, The Conservative streak runs through their design process.
The initial idea that Microsoft present to the world is a phantasmagorical utopian future view that inspires and captivates. But because of constant changes and getting beaten to market by younger, faster companies, with slicker hipper designs, they just never seem to get it quite right. Then, because of their initial promises, people see them as 'shit' when they don't deliver 100%.

"Why the hell are you using microsoft products then?" you may ask…

I know that last bit may have seemed like I was knocking Microsoft, a company that I have backed so many times, in so many articles. But it's not. I do like what Microsoft have done, especially in recent years. They really pulled one out of the bag with Windows 7, I love using it. I also think Phone 7 is great. My HD7 is a fantastic phone. The problem here is that the stuff Microsoft releases has no product unity. Honestly, their system is very confusing for first time users or infrequent visitors to the world of tech. I'm not talking about the individual operating systems of the various platforms, what I am talking about is the user's integration with the modern methods of communication.

It's not that they aren't there. It's that they seem to be split into about a million different services with a million different names and methods.

From my point of view, this level of integration is not necessary; I am very web 2.0. I use what I want, require limited interconnectivity of devices and services, and don't like my computer doing things for me unless I tell it to. But that's me, I am technical and don't really care about people who are too incompetent to use a mouse.

To clarify what I mean, say for instance I wanted a free email account through Microsoft. How would I choose to do it? Will I get a live.com account, which provides you with a live ID that also accesses all of the other services Microsoft offer through MSDN or MSN 'Live' messenger. Or should I get a Hotmail account which does the exact same thing. Bing is the search engine but if you want you can also use the search on microsoft's news network, or XBOX 'live', However, if you're feeling fruity you can visit Microsoft.com and be confused by all the many links to their various different products, services, and networks. What I am saying is that they need to

desperately get some unity going or people aren't going to have a fucking clue what the hell is going on … I already don't and I think they're great. They also need to clarify what this word 'live' means. What is more or less 'live' about one product or another? What would make messenger 'live' but not word 2010? Why is xbox 'live' when 'live' is already an email service?

How I would change the way MS do things?

Glad you asked. I would instantly go about integrating their entire web service with windows. I would get one form of media delivery and device sync for windows, phone and any other form factor. Either Media centre, Media player, or Zune. I would probably buy VLC and keep their dev team and make everything media related work from a single place integrated with the shell. I would make Microsoft.com a proper sales portal with clear and decisive information linking you in a logical and well laid out way to all of the various networks.

I would make the products clear and defined and would probably scrap the word 'live' entirely, or tell everyone that 'live' in a product name means that it's only for 'l33t h4xx0rs'. I think this issue is very small in the grand scheme, it won't stop me from using Microsoft products or the PC form factor. I do like the freedom I gain. I don't require things to be polished and presented to use them, retards do though, and 80% of the computer using world are retards. I just think Windows, Phone etc just need to be de-bulked and de-confuzzled. If people had this unity I think they would get on with windows a bit better and be able to do all of those things that are already there in windows but just need to be laid out better. Regarding the tablet. I would just overhaul the courier concept. Maybe make it a bit more flexible to be capable of expansion when people actually know what the fuck they want a tablet to do. Windows is already great. I would just have a more interactive help system for morons. A more lead by the hand approach to wizards (optional of course). Rather than keeping the population stupid. Actually try and teach them rather than just doing it all for them. If you remove people's ability to troubleshoot and have an understanding of a system (*cough, cough OSX) You make them stupid. Too stupid to be able to work stuff out for themselves or understand how the jigsaw fits. Microsoft are 90% of the way there. They just need to perfect their delivery.