Alec Saunders SquawkBox

It had been seven days since the Windows 7 beta was released so it seemed fitting that we talk about it. Last Friday morning we discussed Windows 7, people’s experience with it, and the controversies surrounding it.

Several people on the call were running Windows 7, on a variety of platforms ranging from netbooks to Mac’s and various Windows machines.  We talked about various aspects of the experience, including the Device Stage. The consensus was that the OS was fast, lighter-weight than Windows Vista, and stable. 

We also discussed a few of the controversies:

• What does Windows 7 mean for Ubuntu?
• Should Microsoft have used BitTorrent to manage the download?
• What will Microsoft do with Windows 7 and the burgeoning netbook market?

On the Calliflower Conference Call: Jonathan Greene, Jonathan Jensen, Jim Courtney, Frank Abrams, Mike Pruyn, Dan York, Maxim, Sergio Meinardi, Jeb Brilliant, Rob Enderle, Dave Michels, and Chuck Willemsen.

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 Squawk Box January 16, 2009 [41:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Rich Tehrani and Andy Abramson are talking HD audio and video today.  To say that they’re both effusive would be an understatement.  Plus, there’s no denying that higher quality audio is a great improvement to a phone call.

Rich begins his post saying:

Circuit switched telephony technology is now half a century old or so and it is the predominant way much of the world communicates. It is the lowest common denominator for all digitized communications. While consumers would never accept 1960s technology from auto or computer companies (please don’t mention the airlines) corporations should look to the PSTN as antiquated and legacy.

This, of course, is the crux of the matter.  Aside from a small number of enthusiasts, most consumers would quite happily accept old technology.  In fact, unless told, they would probably never notice the difference. 

In my world, I don’t see consumers clamouring for high definition audio and video.  I see them clamouring for mobility, with all of it’s attendant audio quality problems.  People put up with drop-outs, dropped calls, and more – all in the name of mobility. 

Like Rich and Andy, I think audio quality is important.  But we’re a definite minority.