Killer application is the topic #1.
There are 2 ways: 1) degradation and shrinking of the market OR 2) expansion and growth
No killer application - no sellings of new licenses. If the killer application exists, then 1 license can be sold today.
I think you both are correct. The problem presently is limited resources and how to best utilize them. The lack of eComstation development the past few years has set the platform back tremendously and hurt the developers who supported it. In fact, I am sure a lot of them felt betrayed and some left. Then there are those that think like I do that the WPS has no match on any other platform.
I for one have been waiting for WIFI for around 7 years. In fact, I was forced to use my wife's Mac because I had no easy access to an Ethernet outlet. Yes, I could have bought a laptop with Windows, but I did not care to. I don't like it being a resource hog and I don't like being tracked on my computer and internet. However, seeing that OS/2 was being developed in its present form, I broke down and bought a refurbished laptop so I could test and see what has changed. Yes, I have to use Windows for some things, but I don't like it.
Other thoughts I have.
1. WIFI, USB3, and printing are a must just to continue to operate.
2. I don't think we have to worry about ArcaOS being a gaming platform since most gamers now prefer their gaming consoles. However, small games like card games, poker games and Mahjong would have an appeal so long as they graphics are well done, enjoyable to play, and the software reasonably priced.
3. It will have to have what everyone else has such as internet browser and emailer.
4. People will have to have access to an up-to-date office suite. Open office development must continue.
5. PMView needs to be supported by the OS/2 community so we at least have some grahics capability.
Anyone ever played Warcraft or Starcraft back before online gaming became very popular? One always started out overwhelmed by the opposing forces. One had to build up ones resources fast just to just to stay alive long enough to counterattack the opposing forces.
I believe Roderick is correct that the base itself needs to be updated. I like YUM after having used it. Eugene is correct that a killer application will go a long way to bring in the youngsters. One of the problems with a killer app is that Windows has no shame stealing ideas and possible code. Remember back when it was believed that they were using Netscape coding in their software.
Eugene, what do you think the next killer app will be?
One point ArcaOS developers can do is ensure that their are no back doors into their operating system that allows the alphabet agencies access to computers. Make the system as hack proof as possible. This could be a major selling point. How fool proof is it against viruses? Can a Windows virus bring down the system?
This is just my thoughts from an end users perspective.
David