Let’s hope you do not remember this, but when Microsoft launched Windows 95, excited geeks huddled in long lines outside darkened computer retailers waiting for them to open their stores for a special midnight release of the much anticipated new operating system. The hype was huge--but so were product sales. Microsoft tried to create this excitement again for Windows 98 and Windows XP. Yes, the music was louder, the lights were brighter, the celebrities more vapid, but not much happened. You see, neither Windows 98 nor XP offered the significant product improvement of Windows 95 over DOS. You see, hype never trumps function. 
So let’s flash forward to Bill Gates addressing CES in a pre-conference key note address today. After a flashy intro video, Gates takes the stage in his signature frumpy pinstripe button down shirt. He then launches into a rather uninspired introduction to Windows Vista. Don’t get me wrong. Gates is an industry giant who deserves considerable respect. He also deserves a wardrobe consultant, a top notch speech writer, and charisma coach. But, all kidding aside, this post is not about Gates, but rather the future of your desktop.
Is Windows Vista a superior operating system you are clamoring to install? Forget any comparisons to Mac OS X you've have heard, or the debate surrounding web-based applications. Just answer the question. Is this the revolutionary operating system you can’t wait to install? Aha—I thought so. Marketing Blurb will not pass judgment. But I will ask, where are the marketing evangelists preaching the merits of Windows Vista? I want to believe—at least I think I do.
I had my first exposure to Vista at the BlogOn conference when it was discussed by Microsoft Evangelizer Robert Scoble.
That presentation was one of the big triggers for me that the RSS functionality (explained on BusinessBlogWire) would reach the masses.
This is one of the exciting features I am looking forward to. Internet Explorer 7, which will be part of the Vista release, will take you directly to the information you want through support for Web feeds (RSS) that includes automatic discovery of web feeds (RSS) on Web pages, basic Web Feed (RSS) reading capabilities, and basic support for saving Web feeds (RSS) as a new kind of favorite.
The next version of Outlook will have RSS feeds integrated into it, so a reader can visit a blog like this, hit one button, and all future posts will show up in their Outlook inbox, along with their email, but this time, no spam!
I think this will be the event that brings RSS mainstream.
Posted by: Tim Stay | January 5, 2006 7:39 PM | Permalink to Comment