Krystianpants
New member
I agree with everything above. I might add that the dumbed down version also tends to be cheaper for the consumer. For all these reasons (less maintenance, learning curve, and cost) people prefer dumbed down (like instagram versus photoshop for photo editing).
You also just have to consider the look of things. Most of the really awesome Win32 apps are not very "sexy" or modern looking. I'm using some really awesome video editing software right now, but it looks like it was made for Windows 98 (because the function is more important than the appearance). However, it has none of the cool factor seen with slick modern apps.
I think what I really like about windows mobile is that you have that default where everything just works (When it's bug free of course). Then you have the ability to go in and do as much customization as you see fit. So it sort of can appeal to everyone. I have been noticing lately that one of my friends who is a huge pusher of IPhone 6s and ios is starting to realize that the ease of use is impacting her ability to get what she wants out of it. There have been many scenarios where she wanted to get certain things setup but she couldn't. And the settings isn't as intuitive as windows phone. Once you go in there it's a pretty big mess with very little functionality. So she will be searching through it to do things but she can't! And lately she's been saying that if windows mobile could break the app barrier she can see it becoming huge. I lent her my lumia 830 with w10m and she said it was actually a lot more intuitive and easier to use. But she couldn't find a few apps that she wanted and thought the store was a mess.
Just like there comes a time when you need a specific app, there comes a time when you need your OS to do more. And w10m has the advantage there. Android is up there too but it's a bit more messy and harder to navigate. The issue is that apps will always take precedence over that scenario. If your friends all have an app that you can't use you feel left out. If people truly wanted "ease of use" then android would not be the largest market share holder. Or is it really just price? If Apple released budget phones would they steal a lot of Android market share? It's possible.
I think by creating the unified experience that MS is seeking with windows 10, people will know exactly how to customize any device that they use running windows 10. Being familiar with just one OS empowers you to do more. Learning OSx will not translate to ios and vice versa.
The complexity of w32 apps can be translated into easier to use UI. I think the day that photoshop can be moved to UWP, provide the same functionality and be easy to navigate is the day UWP will show its power. Of course it would only be published for Desktop or Continuum(Providing the hardware allows it). The UI is probably the biggest problem. And I could not see it working well with a touch UI using your finger but it can definitely be done with a smart pen. It's really about thinking outside the box. The code itself is complex and that won't change, but a good designer can produce a suitable UI for pens and mice with a modern look. The UI was designed in an era where things were different. It's really about thinking outside the box and not placing the limitations of the old era into the modern one.
I would really love for Adobe and MS to get together and work on enhancing the UWP api and move these apps to the store. MS needs to finance things like this and show the world that UWP is not just for simple programs.
Give me something that works, and then let me customize it. And market it as such.