Windows Blue with Just "Pieces of 8"

Microsoft succumbing to pressure, finally admits that their "MS Metro" is best left for "Tablets and Teenagers" by changing the way its Start Screen operates with the release of Windows 8.1. Now it will still have remnants of Pieces of 8, but by in large... redo...

Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed to The Verge that the company is currently testing builds of Windows 8.1, known as codename Windows Blue, that include an option to boot directly to the traditional desktop. We're told that the option is disabled by default, allowing users to simply turn on the functionality should they want to avoid the "Metro" Start Screen at initial boot or login.

We understand that the hot corner functionality, for access to the Charms and Start Screen, will remain intact if the boot to desktop option is enabled. References to a "CanSuppressStartScreen" option in early builds of the Windows 8.1 registry were recently discovered by members of the My Digital Life forum, but a UI to enable the feature doesn't appear to be present. 

BUT THERES MORE...

Microsoft is coming out of the criticism with guns a blazing.  We're told that Microsoft is working on a number of new first-party Windows 8 applications, in addition to the alarms, sound recorder, calculator, and movie moments applications that were revealed in a recent leak. One of the big changes in Blue, deprecating the existing Snap View, will be implemented fully in the milestone preview. We understand that running apps side-by-side in a variety of ways is a key part of Microsoft's plans to introduce Windows Blue to 7- and 8-inch devices. Microsoft is removing a resolution limit on its Snap View, allowing OEMs to push the operating system to lower screen sizes. Sources have revealed that applications will also be able to occupy multiple Snap Views, allowing you to read your Inbox while composing an email side-by-side, or the ability to see two Internet Explorer tabs open side-by-side. 

Color options have also been updated slightly, with the ability to pick from a number of shades in the sidebar of the Start Screen. Aside from this, the UI is largely the same as Windows 8. New Snap Views allow you to snap apps side-by-side using 50 percent each, but on high resolutions you can also snap up to four applications alongside each other. The biggest changes are really in the settings part of the Start Screen. Users can now access new networking and apps sections that provide access to additional options not available in Windows 8. Networking lets you switch connections on and off, and there's a quick way to add VPN settings too. In the new Apps section you can view how much storage apps are taking up and also take control of when notifications are shown thanks to a new quiet mode.

Microsoft is only planning one public preview version of Windows Blue, with the final software and new hardware expected to ship later this year.

IN WITH THE OLD...

Microsoft's change of heart follows a trail of burning ships, i.e, criticisms of its approach to Windows 8 for traditional desktop PCs with keyboard and mouse usage. Accessory makers have attempted to ease the situation, but Microsoft has faced pressure from businesses and desktop users for options to suppress the Start Screen or bring back the traditional Start Menu and Start button UI. Third-party tools to revive the Start button have proved popular, but it's highly unlikely that Microsoft will opt to bring the Start Menu back to life itself. We're told that the boot to desktop option is simply designed to appease desktop users who wish to avoid the Start Screen environment.

So “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;”

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About Rick Ricker

An IT professional with over 21 years experience in Information Security, wireless broadband, network and Infrastructure design, development, and support.

For more information, contact Rick at (800) 399-6085