> For now it seems like Microsoft is doing what Apple has
> never considered - building a streamlined frontend
> interface with a certified app store so casual users can
> safely and easily access a wide range of software, and
> maintaining a fully tinker-able backend and not closing
> off other software distribution channels for expert users.
Interestingly, model that you just described works fine on OS X and have been this way for more than a year now.
I would hardly call the front-end of OS X streamlined. Metro is streamlined and user-friendly, OS X is, despite (or increasingly because of) the few tacked-on iOS-esque elements, a train wreck for usability. Apple needs to face the fact that small tweaks will not get you the best of both worlds. A comprehensive rethink a la Metro is essential.
