Surely the glory of journalism is its transience - Malcolm Muggeridge
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Microsoft keeps Metro UI separate in Windows 8
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Microsoft has talked about its desire to make Windows 8 a tablet-like experience with its Metro user interface.
Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system will sport two user interfaces. A traditional desktop based environment will still be available but the firm has said that it will provide a Metro touchscreen user interface for those who want simplicity.
When Microsoft first showed off Windows 8 to the wider public it decided to lead with the Metro user interface found on its Windows Phone 7 operating system. Since then Microsoft has gone into a bit more detail about the traditional desktop environment and its planned changes to graphical file management. The latest blog post from Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky sheds a bit more light on how Microsoft will try to integrate the two user interfaces.
Sinofsky talked of a balancing act between the two interfaces, saying, "Having both of user interfaces together harmoniously is an important part of Windows 8." According to Sinofsky, harmony exists between the two seperate user interfaces, with the traditional desktop user interface not even loading unless the user wants to get out of Metro.
Microsoft believes that over time the Metro user interface will be better suited to certain scenarios, though Sinofsky didn't elaborate with specifics. However what Sinofsky was clear about is the enduring appeal of the desktop user interface, which he said gives users precise control.
Judging by Sinofsky's claim that Metro is a "beautiful, fast and fluid" user interface that has "a huge variety of new apps to use", it looks like Microsoft will try to push the interface as a common interface between Windows Phone 7, Windows 8 and the Xbox. It is also a nod towards the fact that Microsoft is desperately trying to get device makers to load Windows 8 onto tablets next year.
Microsoft is playing it smart by taking the safe option of not completely removing its traditional user interface. While touchscreen devices are becoming ever more common, traditional desktops and laptops with keyboard and mouse input will still be with us for a very long time, and Microsoft's two choice option is perhaps the best way of showing some innovation while not scaring users with change. µ
Tags: Microsoft
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When will Cars have no locks...?
Silly comment really. All OS's have virus. People 'break in' to Windows and by the largest margin due to the size of installed user base
If it was Linux then that would be the target..
When is M$ going to make their damn OS safe instead of fiddling how it looks?
When will Antivirus and AntiSpyware be a thing of the past?
Compared to Linux there is nothing good about Windows.
Will Microsoft allow users to switch between the two interfaces whenever the user desires? If so, would it only be done after a warm boot or could the interface be change from within the Windows environment?
Also, given Microsoft's history with harsh pricing, what are the odds they will sell different versions that are locked into specific interfaces and require you to pay MORE money if you want to ability to switch interfaces.. and offer some kind of "upgrade" (meaning pay more money) if you want to be able to switch if the version you buy doesn't support (locked out) it.