PC Pilot Q&A with MS Flight Spokesperson

[Fr. Bill]

Has anyone read the May/June issue of PC Pilot? If not, then how about these excerpts from a Q&A session?

Q1: Has Microsoft Flight been designed completely from the ground up or does it include elements from FSX?

A1: Microsoft.....we're building from the ground up focusing on the "purist" simmer as well as a larger range of people with varied interests in aviation....we will take advantage of the expertise and existing elements of the existing FS code base and architecture where it fits...

Q2: You mentioned a 'New Performance Attitude'. Can you elaborate?

A2: Microsoft......previous approach to performance was to maintain a long life over a five-year period (time enough for simmers to go thru two or more computers). This approach was seen as a benefit, until now. The side affect was that no PC could run it with the settings maxed out at product introduction. The new goal is to provide a fantastic experience "out of the box" on the first day......on your current computer.

Q3: Will Microsoft Flight include multi-player mode?

A3: Microsoft.....Absolutely....we will enhance both the individual and social aspects of Flight. The existing multi-player mode was great for some players, but confusing and frustrating for others. We continue to look for support from organizations and communities who provide enjoyment to many, as well as Microsoft adding more value to a broader flier base.

Q4: Will there be an opportunity for third-parties to produce products for Microsoft Flight?

A4: Microsoft...we are creating the tools and facilities to enable external content to all users.....we recognize we can't do it all!!! At the heart of the new approach is a new integrated marketplace....and we are not ready to reveal the full details on this new concept yet. The basic idea is to make the entire user base more aware of all the third party applications as only a small percentage of the total user base are currently aware of all these add-ons. The goal is to empower the entire user base to pick and choose from this vast number of products available to them.

[Travis]

The new goal is to provide a fantastic experience "out of the box" on the first day......on your current computer.

Now let's see if they can deliver on this idea!  Their track record speaks for itself . . .

[Strategic Retreat]

The new goal is to provide a fantastic experience "out of the box" on the first day......on your current computer.

Now let's see if they can deliver on this idea!

[JBaymore]

Q4: Will there be an opportunity for third-parties to produce products for Microsoft Flight?

A4: Microsoft...we are creating the tools and facilities to enable external content to all users.....we recognize we can't do it all!!! At the heart of the new approach is a new integrated marketplace....and we are not ready to reveal the full details on this new concept yet. The basic idea is to make the entire user base more aware of all the third party applications as only a small percentage of the total user base are currently aware of all these add-ons. The goal is to empower the entire user base to pick and choose from this vast number of products available to them.[/color]

That one is a little "concerning".  Sounds like they might be wanting all addons....... payware and freeware ....located in a place that THEY can control. 

Does this portend the end of independent freeware sharing sites?   

Hard to say, but it is one possible read of that answer.

The word "marketplace" there is a loaded one for sure.  It has a total connotation of BUYING.  While there might be a "sale" or a "giveaway" to entice some otehr business, the word "market" in "marketplace" implies commerce, which implies payments.


best,

..................john

[Steve M]

I wish Q4 hadn't used the word 'products'. Just to see if A4 would have used it without being prompted.

[Fr. Bill]

Good grief! What a bunch of sourpusses and glass-half-empty curmudgeons... 

If MS claimed the sun would rise in the east from now on, you folks would probably doubt that too. 

[Steve M]

I'm not so negative, but the 'market' and 'product' words could use a bit more explaining.  Thanks for the post Bill, I just ordered 2 years of PC Pilot.

[Boikat]

"Market" and "product" can apply to the freeware *market*.  I doubt seriously that M$ will hobble Flight right out of the starting gate.  If they did, then simmers will simply stick to FS9 & FSX.

[Strategic Retreat]

As already written elsewhere, I think it's a bit premature to be giving out verdicts. Remains mine a pessimistic view of things, as I am aware that corporations like M$ do not do what they so to satisfy their customers, but only for their own bottom line, and M$ might be trying to tackle the last in a long list of attempts in building a monopoly, here...

For sure though we'll know only when the time will come. Only then we'll know if to celebrate with dances and songs or if to start praying the requiem aeternam for the FS line.

[Steve M]

[quote]"Market" and "product" can apply to the freeware *market*.

[New Light]

[pete]

[quote]

[BrandonF]

[quote]Good grief! What a bunch of sourpusses and glass-half-empty curmudgeons...

[Steve M]

[quote][quote]Good grief! What a bunch of sourpusses and glass-half-empty curmudgeons...

[pete]

If a civil discussion about an upcoming software release goes downhill it wouldn't be because everyone has different thoughts. If we all agreed, there would be no reason to have these discussions.

Exactly. If there were no sceptical questions and cynicism we'd be looking at a bunch of M$ brainwashed zombies!! 
Criticism and expression of 'let's hope they don't do THAT again' are part of any healthy debate. FCOL.