March 18, 2005
Ca Ca Ca Co Co Co: New typography from Microsoft
I saw today, over at Poynter, that Microsoft has plans to release six new screen-legible fonts."Beginning in 2006, Microsoft says it will ship with its operating system and other software products six brand new typefaces created especially for extended on-screen reading."
Obviously, I am very happy to hear this. Near misty about it, in fact.
The last major launch of this sort was the Microsoft "Core Fonts for the Web" release, way back in the mid-nineties, that contained Trebuchet, Verdana, Georgia, and the most overused and poorly implemented typeface of all time (in my opinion), Comic Sans.
Aside from Comic Sans, the other fonts are still seem to be gaining traction in common use on the Web. But they are a welcome addition to most designers' font folders. They are easier to read, onscreen, and they do make create a different impression.
The more we can do to move away from the Times New Roman heavy Web, the better. The more we can do to differentiate, the better. The more we can make things prettier, the better. And while, this is a PC issue, it is always my hope that the Mac folks use those fonts, as well. And I'm sure they will. Because who doesn't want more fonts?
The weird thing about this whole release, however, is the naming strategy. They may look different, but they all sound exactly the same. Currently, the typefaces are called Calibri, Cambria, Candara, Consolas, Constantia, and Corbel. Hunh? Oh well. Maybe these are just code names for the time being. Who knows? I'm willing to let it go, because this is such welcome news. (That is, I'll remember to complain about this again, later.) I wonder how well they print...? Okay, okay, I'll stop.
All I can really say is co-ngratulations.
What do you think about the new typefaces? Will you use them? Maybe I will. But you'll never know, unless you return.
Ca Ca Ca Co Co Co: New typography from Microsoft
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