In a joint interview with the New York Times, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Dell CEO Michael Dell talked about Windows 8, Surface, the task of attracting developers to create apps, and more. They revealed that Michael Dell was actually the first non-Microsoft individual to see the Windows 8 tablet before the company went public with its plans.
Dell said that he was on the way to Lagos when Ballmer showed him the Surface tablet in Chicago. The New York Times asked Ballmer what he thought partners like Dell would feel after learning about Microsoft entering the device industry with its own tablet.
"Of course I would expect -- and one of the reasons it was important for me to see Michael myself -- the initial reaction is: ‘What the heck? This is different.’ Michael’s reaction was very thoughtful," Ballmer said.
"We had a good discussion about what Microsoft’s goals are," Dell added. "As I see it, the prime goal is to ensure the success of Windows 8. We’ve never sold all the PCs in the world. As I’ve understood Steve’s plans here, if Surface helps Windows 8 succeed, that’s going to be good for Windows, good for Dell and good for our customers. We’re just fine with all that."
Later on in the interview, the New York Times said that some of the early reviews have pointed out that the transition from the traditional desktop to the new Modern UI can be a little "jarring". Ballmer was asked if he thought this will be an issue with the new OS.
"Beauty will be in the eye of the user. I’m not confused about this. After about a week, I think you don’t even notice it," he said.
"I think what you’re going to see with Windows 8 and touch, it’s going to be like pulse and touch tone. There’s the old one and the new one, and you’re going to want the new one," Dell added.
To read the complete interview, head over to the New York Times here.
