Did Microsoft copy Mac OS in Windows 7

The allegations never end, who copied who, this is something common in User interfaces/Look and feel. But here comes something interesting.

A Microsoft manager saying flat-out that Windows 7 copied Mac OS X. Surely, he had been misquoted. Or something. Well, Microsfot explains he didn’t mean it “that way”.

Microsoft is currently holding a partner conference in Wembley Stadium, and Microsoft’s partner group manager, Simon Aldous was asked “Is Windows 7 really a much more agile operating system, in terms of the specific uses it can be moulded to?“, he replied:

One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it’s very graphical and easy to use. What we’ve tried to do with Windows 7 – whether it’s traditional format or in a touch format – is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics. We’ve significantly improved the graphical user interface, but it’s built on that very stable core Vista technology, which is far more stable than the current Mac platform, for instance.

I have a faint feeling , it sure is refreshing, but at the same time, it’s also complete nonsense. I see little in Windows 7 that makes it look or function like Mac OS X, and I see little Aqua in Aero either.

I’m having the feeling a certain group of people are going to have a field day with this one. I have to say, if this is indeed what Microsoft wants to profess – than more power to them. The honesty would be a welcome change of pace in this industry.

Back when Apple introduced Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger” at WWDC 2004 there were banners hung from the ceiling with the following poke at Microsoft printed on them:

“Redmond, start your photocopiers.”

Personally, unless someone wants to go to court over patent infringement, this whole “who copied who” debate is little more than fanboys howling at the moon. Does it really matter? and Do you feel the was UI copied? your opinion will count.

Subscribe to Twitter updates, or RSS, join Facebook fanpage for more Snow Leopard, iPhone updates.

GD Star Rating
loading...
GD Star Rating
loading...

6 thoughts on “Did Microsoft copy Mac OS in Windows 7”

    • let me rephrase it so it reflects reality, Microsoft is copying a lot from the competitors.

      GD Star Rating
      loading...
      GD Star Rating
      loading...
      Reply
      • Im pretty sure thats standard business practice, adjust to what your competitors are doing or die. The smear campaign that mac is running against microsoft makes me wish I didnt own one… I want to punch the mac guy in the face.. he seems like such a douche.

        GD Star Rating
        loading...
        GD Star Rating
        loading...
        Reply
        • I guess the hatred stays equal on each side across the border. That's why I have always tried to be neutral on this. I use Both win7 an Snow Leopard. And both of them are Great OS.

          GD Star Rating
          loading...
          GD Star Rating
          loading...
          Reply
  1. I guess the hatred stays equal on each side across the border. That's why I have always tried to be neutral on this. I use Both win7 an Snow Leopard. And both of them are Great OS.

    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    Reply
  2. It does sort of have that Mac feel when you first log on and see the icons at the bottom. Other than that, it feels like Vista.

    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    GD Star Rating
    loading...
    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.