Microsoft's Asimov System To Monitor Users' Machines In Real Time

SmartAboutThings writes Microsoft will monitor users in the new Windows 9 Operating System in order to determine how the new OS is used, thus decide what tweaks and changes are need to be made. During Windows 8 testing, Microsoft said that they had data showing Start Menu usage had dropped, but it seems that the tools they were using at the time weren't as evolved as the new 'Asimov' monitor. The new system is codenamed 'Asimov' and will provide a near real-time view of what is happening on users' machines. Rest assured, the data is going to be obscured and aggregated, but intelligible enough to allow Microsoft to get detailed insights into user interactions with the OS. Mary Jo Foley says that the system was originally built by the Xbox Team and now is being used by the Windows team. Users who will download the technical preview of Windows 9, which is said to get unveiled today, will become 'power users' who will utilize the platform in unique scenarios. This will help Microsoft identify any odd bugs ahead of the final release.

Comments

"Rest assured, the data is going to be obscured"

[Cornwallis]

Ha ha ha ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha.

Your comment violated the "postercomment" compression filter. Try less whitespace and/or less repetition.

You used "Rest assured," and "Microsoft"

[jpellino]

in the same paragraph. That'll be five laps. Backwards.

The THREE shells:

[Thud457]

1. 1. Windows may not injure a member of the Microsoft board or, through inaction, allow a member of the Microsoft board to come to harm.
2. 2. Windows must obey the orders given to it by the NSA, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. 3. Windows must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law
4. 3. CLASSIFIED

Re:Start menu usage dropped in lieu of what?

[CaptainDork]

I've been using a desktop for more than 15 years.

I didn't read the rest of it. I've been using a desktop since Moby Dick was a minnow (ca. 1978) and I don't care to be schooled by a noob.

Huh?

[Anonymous Coward]

What's so heinous about the North American Marlon Brando Look Alikes, or the Kind Kentucky Kids?

In other news...

[clickety6]

Microsoft found that the J, K, W, X and Y keys were rarely utilised by Italian users and so has replaced those characters in the Italian version of the operating system with Unicode characters representing hand gestures. The Italian keyboards are also more compact. "It really wasn't worth supporting them when they are only used 0.1% of the time", said a Microsoft spokesperson.

Re:Asimov system?

[cant_get_a_good_nick]

I'd prefer the Huxtable system, with Jello Pudding!

Re:"Rest assured, the data is going to be obscured

[FatdogHaiku]

Rest assured, the NSA will be getting the unobfuscated stuff and sending the obfuscated data back to MS.

No, this is much worse than that. The collection of data will lead to Microsoft "helping" you use the system...
and that will be a justification for their ultimate goal...

BRINGING CLIPPY BACK TO LIFE!!!

Re:Start menu usage dropped in lieu of what?

[uncqual]

In order to be certified as a Windows 10 system, keyboards, mice, monitors, and system enclosures will have to have shock sensors so MS can tell that users are throwing their mice at the wall, hitting their heads against the monitor, or kicking the system enclosure in frustration.

In Windows 11, users will be required to have shock sensors implanted in their foreheads and hands to detect when they hit their heads against the wall or beat their dog or spouse in frustration over dealing with Windows.