Former Windows Head Suggests Users Want "Sealed Case" Computers

Do you enjoy being able to open up your computer and other devices in order to get a peek around? Former Windows boss Steven Sinofsky thinks that you're most likely one of the few, as he says that in order for computers to "reach the next billion" people, you "have to seal things up more," referring to form factors of today's devices.

Sinofksy talked a lot about how computers and devices are evolving, saying that the "tremendous amount of change" going on in the industry "is exciting and it means a lot of opportunity." He notes that "the nature of the computer is undergoing a transformation," mentioning that form factor is changing, as well as how computers connect.

Sinofsky also says that "computers are evolving to be a sealed-case kind of design," compared to "something that people tinker with and expand over time." A good example of this happening is how Apple seals up their iOS devices, prohibiting users from accessing the battery quickly, as opposed to most Android devices today.

Of course, some Android devices are moving in that direction as well, including a handful of HTC devices (like the new HTC One). OEM computers are also moving toward that direction as well. Apple has somewhat been locking up their desktops and laptops for a while, and just recently closed off access to the RAM slots in the new iMac. And as the transition toward tablets from PC becomes more imminent, most computers are going to be sealed off.

However, Sinofsky says that "it will take a long time for things to play out," so there's no need to pout right away. Desktop computers will most likely still be easily accessible by users, but many people have to wonder how long desktop computers will last in an age where tablets and laptops are quickly taking over.

SOURCE: AllThingsD