Is Windows newly announced XP operating system just another Mac rip-off? Some Mac users thinks so, as evidenced in a Wired story.
According to the article, some Mac users think that the look is a rip-off of Mac OS X (as evidenced by the “XP” in the title) and that Microsoft even “stole” the duck from Apple’s OS 9 Multiple Users Control Panel. (One of the icons featured on the XP demonstration Web site is a yellow duck.)
“On the surface at least, the two interfaces do share an eerie resemblance,” Wired said. “Sample screenshots on the OS X and XP websites both showcase bevel-edged windows floating atop a royal blue desktop. Each has a palette of vivid but soothing reds, oranges and blues to illuminate attractive icons on slim toolbars.”
However, Art Pettigrue, product manager for Windows, denied that Microsoft borrowed any ideas for the new interface from rival Apple.
“Any similarities are coincidental,” he told Wired. “We’ve done what customers said that they wanted.” And he said the Big M didn’t “steal any ducks from Apple.”
Wired points out that both companies emphasize the simplicity and improved navigation their respective products allow. Apple touts the new Dock on OS X, and Microsoft’s online brochure for Windows XP promises pretty much the same thing according to Wired. The brochure says: “The familiar Windows interface has been enhanced to make it even easier to use. New visual cues help you find important information, and the redesigned Start menu makes it easier to access the programs you use most frequently.”
At least one developer who viewed Tuesday’s presentation was not impressed, according to ZDNet story.
“This is so sad. They’re just lamely trying to copy Steve Jobs’ Apple presentation–right down to the guy having a black shirt and black pants,” said one Whistler tester who watched the Seattle event via Webcast and requested anonymity. “It’s almost like Windows ME 2. Or as Apple might call it, Windows Me Too.”
Apple representatives declined to comment on XP’s new look for Wired. If only David Coursey, had done the same. In his fawning preview of XP at — guess where? — MSNBC, he writes:” “Microsoft has finally beat the Apple Macintosh for ease-of-use. Goodbye, Mac snobs!”
Oh, PUH-LEEZE.