I think the browser merely points to the possibilities of how the Internet can be used. I believe desktop apps are what will make the Internet shine. E.g. I really love subscribing to and watching downloaded podcasts on the Zune client software. The user experience is so much better than consuming streaming video or audio. (Though I really wish the Zune software had an equalizer on it.) I believe when companies with major web sites such as even Zdnet come out with desktop analogs to their web sites, they will have their readers hooked to their content like never before, and they will be able to pile on services and features to gain revenue like never before.
I certainly believe the browser has merit and will continue to be used a lot, but desktop / local software on PCs and devices are what will make the Internet really shine. I believe desktop software will continue to be the workhorses they now are, but they will be extended or re-oriented around Internet based data. Desktop apps will be given new roles around surface computing, and for the display and interaction with consumer data. Therefore I believe the above mesh announcement is very important for the above to take place, and to generally take us to the ?access to data any time, any place? promise. Very nice work MS.
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