I've become a fan of Merlin's writing since he posted this last December.
If you enjoyed this, go read Real Advice Hurts http://www.43folders.com/2008/12/03/real-advice-hurts which speaks to some of the same issues, and struck a chord with me. I've re-read it at least half a dozen times.
I hate to sound cynical, but we've all seen this before. Anyone can inspire and captivate with a flashy video, but these prototypes rarely get brought to market.
The concept car was gorgeous, aggressive, and appealing to a section of the market that traditionally ignores hybrids. Now look at the model that will actually get released: http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/
It's a glorified Honda Civic.
They don't have a product here, and I doubt we'll ever see any of the ideas introduced in this video (at least not from Microsoft).
If in ten years time, Microsoft can shut me down with a virtual newspaper, a classroom video-wall with built in translations, and an interactive wallet, then more power to them. But if instead, we're forced to endure another decade of watching a company that helped found the industry, spend its time copying Apple and Google, we might finally come to understand the phrase "real artists ship."
If you enjoyed this, go read Real Advice Hurts http://www.43folders.com/2008/12/03/real-advice-hurts which speaks to some of the same issues, and struck a chord with me. I've re-read it at least half a dozen times.