Comment on Microsoft CEO warns that we must 'do something useful' with AI or they'll lose 'social permission' to burn electricity on it

• matlag@sh.itjust.works ⁨19⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

  I believe Windows 11 and “AI everywhere” are quickly changing that. Gamers started migrating, but I believe the stats showing a growing usage of Linux on desktop as well as resistance to the Win11 migration go beyond the gamers.

  But I admit: a survey right now may not yet show it. It’s probably trending up slowly.

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  • Honytawk@feddit.nl ⁨11⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

    Then you think wrong. The average consumer doesn’t care about the things computer nerds care about. Even privacy gets arguments like “I have nothing to hide”

    Otherwise they would have mass adopted the fediverse a long time ago.

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    • voodooattack@lemmy.world ⁨9⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago

      The average consumer doesn’t care because they already made the purchase. Most of them use whatever OS their machine comes preloaded with unless a more tech inclined friend offers alternatives.

      The OEMs do the caring, because the OEMs are the ones with the choice. And they notice this shit. So when the average consumer is buying a new machine, they might be offered alternatives to Windows (already happening with some btw), and most customers will see an extra $200 (or whatever how much nowadays) next to the Windows license, and a flat $0 next to the other option: Linux.

      Now the filter is reversed, and only the ones who aren’t paying attention (assuming Windows is the default during check out) or actively want Windows will be paying for it

      The savvier ones may even wonder what the difference is, and do some research to understand it, and those ones will buy it knowing exactly what they’re getting into. Some will say “I’ll just pick the free OS and install Windows for free”, but even if they decide that, they may decide to boot it up first out of curiosity.

      And that’s what really matters: the exposure. Because people talk.

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