I'm completely blown away by Mac Neo. It made me think a lot about what we tried to accomplish with Windows 8 more than a dozen years ago. Being early is no different than being wrong…mostly.

Tech Lead Digest is a publication dedicated to topics relevant to technical leaders, engineering managers, and software architects. Through articles, case studies, and interviews, Tech Lead Digest covers leadership strategies, team management techniques, and career development advice for tech leads. Readers can learn about effective communication, team-building, and leadership skills essential for success in technical leadership roles.

Tech Lead Digest

Steven Sinofsky, former Windows president, shares his personal reflections after purchasing the new Mac Neo. The device triggers deep nostalgia and melancholy about Windows 8 and Surface, which he led over a decade ago. He argues that Windows 8 and ARM Surface were not 'early and wrong' in the traditional sense — the hardware and software were capable — but the failure came from not moving the Windows app ecosystem fast enough to a modern, secure, power-efficient model. He contrasts Microsoft's 'run everything forever' compatibility philosophy with Apple's two-decade effort to modernize its OS and app frameworks, which ultimately enabled Apple Silicon and products like Neo. Sinofsky expresses pride in the Windows 8 team while acknowledging the emotional weight of seeing Apple succeed with a vision he believes Microsoft was close to achieving.

239. Mac Neo and my afternoon of reflection and melancholy