Toucha, toucha, toucha, touch me....

Toucha toucha toucha touch me...

Does anyone remember playing Battle Chess or California Games on their parents' PCs? What about the innocent graphics and sound effects of the Commodore 64? Donkey Kong, Pacman, Space Invaders; oh, the simple pleasures!

Why am I taking a skip down memory lane? Because this was an era when things seemed to be invented for the purpose of enjoyment and wonder. Now, money, power and the race to be numero uno dominate the playing field. Shame.

Recently, Microsoft announced it will release its new operating system, codenamed Windows 7, in late 2009. (Though if Microsoft is working towards the same sort of timetable as Windows Vista, we might expect to see it some time before 2015.) Windows 7 will use a touch-operated interface which Microsoft has been working on for more than10 years. According to wire service Reuters, it will give users ‘the ability to control computers with voice commands, detect and sort different kinds of images and use electronic ink instead of typing for computer input... (as well as) "Touchable Paint" that lets a user paint with their fingers... and software to organize photos or navigate maps by touch.'

Fabulous! I am not a prude when it comes to technological advancement but it saddens me that, apparently, Microsoft is looking to one-up Apple and its iPhone. Released 12 months ago, the Apple iPhone - which uses touch-screen technology - is a mobile device that combines computer, phone and web features and, according to Reuters, has sold six million units.

Microsoft admitting that it wants to one-up Apple reeks of the desperation it feels to be up there with the cool kid of the technological world. How spot on is Apple Mac's personification advertisements with Justin Long (Drew Barrymore's current boyfriend) as Mac and that portly dork as PC!

I have to wonder why Microsoft is so openly trying to compete with Apple. Their target markets are completely different and sales figures show that PCs with Microsoft Windows applications are far outselling Apple Macs. (This year, Apple has sold 10 million computers compared to roughly 290 million PCs featuring Microsoft Windows.)

I find Microsoft Windows a really user-friendly operating system, although I am writing this on my little Apple iBook. Did I buy it for its superior software design? Uh, no. I bought it cos it's cute. I like its sleek whiteness, rounded edges and how the Apple symbol on the front cover lights up when you push the on button. It's, like, roolly pretty. I'm sure my little computer can do things that would make my head spin. However, I would not be so enamoured with my Mac if I couldn't use Microsoft Word on it.

So, come on, kids, why not kiss and make up and put the one-upmanship behind you. And bring back Battle Chess, I say!

Further resources:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/microsoft-bigwigs-talk-up-windows-7/2008/05/28/1211654111599.html