Windows 8 vs OS X Mountain Lion

It was probably by coincidence that Apple announced its new version of OS X while Microsoft showed off the official logo for Windows 8. Clearly Microsoft's logo takes its cue from the Metro-style features found in Windows Phone 7 that will form the stylish backbone (or perhaps rib cage) of Windows 8.

Apple, on the other hand, already has its mobile hardware and OS out on the streets in full force and makes no hesitation in citing them as a core element of Mountain Lion, stating, "… with all new features in inspired by iPad." On the hot list are unified messaging, mail, reminders and notes. Plus GameCenter on the desktop, bringing some of the hottest iOS features into OS X.

 With iCloud front-and-center on the Mac ,notifications on the desktop and even the likes of AirPlay being carried across, there is little distinction between data on one device or another in your Apple universe. What is missing is Siri, the key feature of the iPhone 4S — does Apple think its too early for a desktop OS to be controlled by voice, or will this feature be revealed later on?Mircosoft has all of this work still to do. It's Windows Phone 7 system, while a critical success has yet to get the user numbers that will see people looking at Windows 8 as a mandatory upgrade. Sure, there's Xbox Live for games, existing Windows Live services like SkyDrive and Hotmail, but the company needs to ensure that all the strings are tied between desktop and mobile.

If Windows Phone 8 does take off then the existing PC consumer market might see Windows 8 as something of a worthwhile upgrade with all those features baked into the front of the Metro interface. Otherwise, those using Windows 7 (or Vista) can continue to use these services as they have for years.