Icrosoft has never
really been good at naming Windows.
For the most part, Windows names have been uninspired,
boring, or just confusing. So, when rumors emerged suggesting that
"Windows Lite" might not actually use the name Windows when it's
announced officially, I was excited. Why? Because this would be an excellent
time for Microsoft to branch out, try new things, and kickstart an entirely new
generation of computing experiences powered by Windows, without all the legacy
expectations that the name Windows brings with it.
Before we dive into what it should or shouldn't be called,
let's give some background on Windows Lite. I think many of us are expecting
Windows Lite to be a watered-down version of Windows, thanks in part to its
codename, but that's not really what Windows Lite is all about. Windows Lite is
Microsoft's attempt at bringing a new, more modern user experience to a Windows
OS to compete alongside Chrome OS and iOS on iPad. It looks and feels different
from any version of Windows before it, and it focuses primarily on web
experiences and integrations, along with Microsoft Store apps, maybe even
Android apps, and making the OS much lighter.
Windows brings with
it certain expectations
I think calling it "Windows" anything is a
terrible idea. The Windows brand carries with it expectations, and if those
aren't met, it will make for a terrible user experience. For example, people
buying Windows products expect a typical taskbar, Start menu, legacy program
support, and more. Case in point: Windows 8, and Windows 10 S. These versions
of Windows removed one or all of the parts people "expect" to have
available to them on a Windows device, and it didn't go over well. If Microsoft
wants to branch out and try new things with Windows Lite, it needs to not be
called Windows.
Windows Lite needs to
avoid the same fate as Windows 8 and Windows 10 S.
Then there's the "Lite" aspect of its name. As far
as I know, the word "Lite" has never been in the running as a
potential name for this OS; it's just a codename. In fact, I'm told Microsoft
has already stopped using this codename in favor of something else internally,
as it's setting the wrong idea for what Windows Lite is all about. It's not a
"light" version of Windows; it's an entirely new experience for
Windows, built on a lightweight, adaptable platform known as Windows Core OS.
Windows 10 in 2019: Things to expect to see throughout this
year
And, calling something "lite" just makes people
think you're not getting a full experience. Lite has the connotation of being
"less than" or "not as good" as something else.
So what should
Windows Lite be called?
This is a popular topic of conversation among us at Windows
Central. If you listen to our weekly podcast, you'll know we've spitballed many
ideas for what Windows Lite could be called. We started at "Aurora,"
a nice word that feels modern and clean. But then we ended up with
"Skylight." And we like that name a lot.
Windows Lite, even if it's not called Windows, is still
Windows (Core OS) underneath. While most people probably won't know or care if
it is, the fans will know. A skylight is a window that's most commonly found in
ceilings and lets in natural light. It's a subtle call back to
"Windows" and the fact that Windows Lite is all about light
computing. It's the perfect name!
In all seriousness, we don't know what Windows Lite will be
called when it's officially announced. While we would absolutely love for it to
be called Skylight, chances are Microsoft has another name planned for it. I
wouldn't write off the rumors that Windows Lite won't be called Windows, however,
as I've actually had the chance to see, and play with, Windows Lite. And from
my very brief time using it, I never once saw a Windows logo.
What do you think Windows Lite should be called? Do you like
the name Skylight? Let us know in the comments.
