Ballmer: Computer Scientists Needed to Use Android

[tjbee]

Actually I agree with Balmer. I have an in depth knowledge of Android, iOS as well as Windows, Mac OS X, Ubuntu and all the Linux/Unix underpinnings. But most people I know have fairly basic usage needs. Even those with an iPhone have trouble with finding/using some of the options/settings that would truly help them. But, because it's all still reletively straight forward i can give fairly general 1 sentence instructions to get them where they need to be. On the other hand, with android it's necessary for me to walk them through it step by step.

 

[amk-aka-Phantom]

[citation][nom]neverdyne[/nom]Although I do agree with your first three paragraphs you should not be so critical about old people not adopting technology like you did. When you spend 50-60 years living a certain way that remains mostly unchanged, and then be hit by this brick wall of ever changing computational technology you probably never heard about before, it is not easy. When you are born in a world that has already largely adopted this technology, you grow accustomed to it from the very beginning, and don't have to change yourself or your habits to adapt to it. You don't have a past living life in a different way. Not only that, but you are young and that helps you learn things faster.[/citation]

Yep, this is that BS I'm talking about right here! Intelligence works no matter how old you are. What's complicated about using Windows 7 or Android? Everything is labeled. There're tooltips. Every button does what it says.

All the adults I know are "scared" of computers. They're afraid of doing something "wrong". Those who let go of their fear and try things out are usually very surprised with how easy things are. Assembling a computer from parts? It's like playing LEGOs. Using an operating system? You DO know how to use a phone directory or read a book, right? Means you can use Windows or Android.

People who are not good with technology are usually not good with logic in general, and that's not because they're "different". It's only because they're stubborn, scared and/or didn't receive proper education. Funny thing is, all of that is easy to correct if you try - but they don't.

 

[dimar]

Ballmer should seriously consider an acting career. Maybe a comedy TV show where Ballmer commits a crime, and as a punishment, he's forced to use an Android phone for the next 10 years...

 

[livebriand]

Since Microsoft clearly doesn't have a clue about what they're doing with phones, they should just get the hell out of that business right now. And this comes from a Windows fanboy. (I also dislike the new metro UI in Windows 8 - what was wrong with Windows 7's UI?) If I had a smartphone, it would be an Android phone. (now if only data plans weren't required...)

 

[livebriand]

Since Microsoft doesn't have a clue what they're doing with WP7, they should just get the hell out of there! And the new Windows 8 metro UI? Bleh. Stick with regular desktop stuff Microsoft. And FIRE BALLMER!

Sure, my grandmother couldn't use an Android phone. But nor could she use wp7. Or a PC in general.

 

[Kamab]

Sneaky one Steve, but you probably haven't managed to convince anyone that a WP7 is anything like an iPhone.

Also, if you are going to say something completely unfounded at least make it sound like it could be true. Ragging on Android cause it has Icons? You mean like App(le) Icons?

 

[CaedenV]

Personally I have enjoyed what I have seen on WP7. I still have not committed to any smart phone because of the sheer cost of the plans, and the fact that they cannot really do what I want them to yet (replace my netbook). When there is a phone that can replace my netbook at an affordable price I will be 100% on board.
Also, while the WP7 UI is all fine and dandy, the reason they do not sell is because they are expensive and lack features that other phones have. Most of them look like crap, have no storage space, and have bare-minimum hardware to run the OS. you do not see that with all of the high performance HTC and Droid phones running Android. They have created a market that is exciting, that is why they sell. Then you have the snobs with the iPhones (though the 4s looks really tempting! I love the Siri interface!), who will upgrade with every release because they are 'supposed' to. WP7 is neither exciting, nor productive, nor groundbreaking, it is just a basic simple clean phone aimed at business users and media buffs but not quite mature enough to be amazing at either. It is very good at being simple and basic and clean, but until they improve the productivity aspect, and have developers put it out on better hardware, then it will simply and quietly take the place of the Zune; A great product with lots of potential, little innovation, and no recognition.

 

[CaedenV]

Also, about those who have been left behind in the technology department;
I work at a place where there are a lot of first time computer buyers. Many of them think the monitor is the computer, and are confused as to why they have to plug the 'computer' into some box on the floor. However, many of them catch on as to how to use the thing in a matter of days. It is merely a lack of exposure, mixed with a little fear. These are people who went to HS, got a job, climbed the corporate ladder doing pretty much the same thing for 30+ years, and now that they are retiring they want to try something new and see what all the fuss is about. I have seen some really funny 'first encounter' experiences, and constantly hear some interesting self diagnostic questions ('MS word is blocking my internet' is the favorite so far lol). But considering they are coming into the game 25 years late it only takes them a few days to get their e-mail, FB, and farmville farms running smoothly. The trick is getting them to be open to it, and then holding their hand at first. After a little exposure they will take off. Sure, they will never figure out a scroll wheel, but they can spam e-mail chain letters like a pro!

 

[eddieroolz]

In a sense he's right, as Android seems way too powerful and capable for the average joe. At the same time, the restrictions placed on phones by manufacturers/carriers mean that in order to unlock the full potential one must root the device.

Then there's the obligatory "praise your platform, look down on others" required out of a CEO.

 

[alidan]

[citation][nom]WhysoBluepandabear[/nom]No! First off, if you can't pick up an Android phone, and within a few days become a general master at it, then you're just dumb. Yes, you're dumb. You should realistically be able to pick up almost any device, and with enough time to test and play around, be able to get the general gist of it. This is called: Intelligence: The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.Use what skills you know about computers and applications, and now apply them towards a smaller, handheld device that runs on the same concept and principle. If you can't figure this out, then sorry, you need to be left behind. I also like how the older generation mumbles stupid ass comments like "Oh, you were born into this sorta stuff, so that's why it's so easy for you". Um, no dumbass, I wasn't born with a smartphone and computer in my hand, I was born a young, curious child that didn't WILLFULLY BLOCK OUT TECHNOLOGY, but instead embraced it with an eager mind. Now that it's important, I just so happen to be inclined with all of it, while you decided you didn't need it, nor wanted a part in it. As an adult, with a full capacity brain and education, YOU actually had the edge and advantage when it comes to technology. Ideally, you, as the adult, should be MUCH better with technology than the younger generation. Why? Because if you just paid attention, you would've started when everything first came around, and from there on out, follow all the transitions and upgrades to technology. But nope, you blocked it out, and now need a crash course. Oh well.[/citation]

well... remember when tech first came around? what a computer use to be? it was in all honesty little more than a typewriter with games attached.

the early internet... you had to be a computer scientest.

latter internet, when crap was just starting to take shape... there was still very little to do, besides dive into subcultures which you may not want to do, and find porn.

and the internet of today, which i personally cant live without, everyone sees the value in it now.

its not that they tuned it out from the get go, but they just didn't care, because it was useless to them, and honestly was to most people.

now, i take GREAT hated of tech of today that is dumbing the computer down but adding such annoying aspects to it.

take this, in xp i can right click on 6 explorer windows i have open, and tell it to tile horizontally. in win 7 i cant do that... i hate how things i grew use to, change, for no good reason, but for change sake and to appear "simpler"

 

[HappyBB]

Ballmer just wouldn't admit that Adroid phones are far better than Windows phones and the fact that Windows phones aren't gaining more ground as MS expects! Typical business man's response.

 

[Zingam]

[citation][nom]WhysoBluepandabear[/nom]No! First off, if you can't pick up an Android phone, and within a few days become a general master at it, then you're just dumb. Yes, you're dumb. You should realistically be able to pick up almost any device, and with enough time to test and play around, be able to get the general gist of it. This is called: Intelligence: The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.Use what skills you know about computers and applications, and now apply them towards a smaller, handheld device that runs on the same concept and principle. If you can't figure this out, then sorry, you need to be left behind. I also like how the older generation mumbles stupid ass comments like "Oh, you were born into this sorta stuff, so that's why it's so easy for you". Um, no dumbass, I wasn't born with a smartphone and computer in my hand, I was born a young, curious child that didn't WILLFULLY BLOCK OUT TECHNOLOGY,[/citation]

Dude, I don't know how old are you right now but when you get older and you are the older generation yourself, I bet you'll block out new stuff too. See there are more important things in life than playing with crappy useless toys.

 

[acadia11]

Apple didn't create voice recognition nor did they create Siri, they purchased it.

 

[tlmck]

[citation][nom]WhysoBluepandabear[/nom]No! First off, if you can't pick up an Android phone, and within a few days become a general master at it, then you're just dumb. Yes, you're dumb. You should realistically be able to pick up almost any device, and with enough time to test and play around, be able to get the general gist of it. This is called: Intelligence: The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.Use what skills you know about computers and applications, and now apply them towards a smaller, handheld device that runs on the same concept and principle. If you can't figure this out, then sorry, you need to be left behind. I also like how the older generation mumbles stupid ass comments like "Oh, you were born into this sorta stuff, so that's why it's so easy for you". Um, no dumbass, I wasn't born with a smartphone and computer in my hand, I was born a young, curious child that didn't WILLFULLY BLOCK OUT TECHNOLOGY, but instead embraced it with an eager mind. Now that it's important, I just so happen to be inclined with all of it, while you decided you didn't need it, nor wanted a part in it. As an adult, with a full capacity brain and education, YOU actually had the edge and advantage when it comes to technology. Ideally, you, as the adult, should be MUCH better with technology than the younger generation. Why? Because if you just paid attention, you would've started when everything first came around, and from there on out, follow all the transitions and upgrades to technology. But nope, you blocked it out, and now need a crash course. Oh well.[/citation]

You might wish to study up on the "aging" area of neuroscience.

 

[tlmck]

"Ballmer: Computer Scientists Needed to Use Android"

And this from a man who could not find his butt with both hands.

 

[cookoy]

i remembered when i used DOS, my information was front and center. i couldn't multitask.

 

[Guest]

Your argument that people should keep up with technology will land on its face if I asked you to find the 2nd or 3rd root of a number like 7 to 8 correct decimal places or find the sine or cosine of 19 degrees because you sir, have relied on calculators and computers to derive the answers to these problems. Very few know how to solve these by the using paper, pencil, and the BRAIN. Technology does have its benefits, but also makes us very dependent on it.

 

[cats_Paw]

dear friend plz, who would want to use windows?
If linux, unix or even MS-DOS was as compatible as windows for PCs, i would have kicked Windows out of my PC years ago.

Since in phones you dont need to worry about that, its like comparing gmail to hotmail .

 

[hetneo]

To me this sounds like preparation of public for problem Windows phones will have with basic phone function, like making phone calls.

 

[amk-aka-Phantom]

[citation][nom]tlmck[/nom]You might wish to study up on the "aging" area of neuroscience.[/citation]

You too. They proved that people who don't stop learning and keep up high brain activity don't "age" much as far as intelligence goes.

[citation][nom]WhysoBluepandabear[/nom]Then why does the older generation come crying to us about user friendly phones and computers? Can't we just tell them "Bro, there are more important things...like playing with sharp sticks and trying to poke each others' eyes out". Who could forget the timeless classic game that the baby boomers grew up playing? You wanna ignore technology? Fine, just don't come crying and whining when you need it. Stay behind, while the rest of us progress - oh wait, nope, you want to drag us all back to your level of retardation. I see this in my 54 year old mom - she literally has no interest, nor care in technology. She stopped progressing after 1980. She was more than capable of paying attention and possibly even becoming a computer science major - however, she thought writing letters and using a home phone was good enough, and never cared to find new creative and more efficient ways to carry on. See, the point a lot of you are missing is not their character, as much as it's their eagerness for knowledge and progression. My mom isn't a bad person for being technology illiterate - she just decided to stop progressing. It's like skipping a few grades - being okay with staying in 5th grade. Then suddenly you're thrown into 10th grade, and everything of course is a shock, and you have no idea on where to begin. This is a problem. We can't let generations of people willfully become dumb and uninterested in technology and progression. Computers are the future, and many people knew they were decades ago. The delusional ones seemed to think different - and here we are now, sorta stuck with them.[/citation]

I fully agree to everything you said here. People say "oh, I just want to work with computers, I don't want to KNOW about them" and then spend hours and days with tech support, while they could have resolved the issue themselves, had they used their brain.