The Windows 9 Start menu is one of the hottest topics these days in the IT industry thanks to a number of leaked screenshots showing the new OS version in action, so it’s no surprise that so many people are actually looking into ways to get back the traditional desktop in modern Windows.
The web has been building up our anticipation with new and exciting leaks of what is in store. The latest leak shows a revamped version named ‘Windows Technical Preview’, which packs some useful additions to Windows 8.
It's what you might expect from the newly revamped version of a familiar old friend: a mix of traditional apps and modern smart tiles, all working together in the comforting form of the Start menu. It looks like account options—like locking and signing out—have been moved to the top , while the menu itself is split into two: the right side a new selection of tiles, the left a more traditional list of apps.
First up, Brad Sams of Neowin is reporting that new builds of Windows 9 currently being tested by Microsoft engineers include a button that allows you to select from multiple workspaces (desktops). These so-called "virtual desktops" are a feature that's long been found in most modern Unix-like operating systems including popular Linux distributions and OS X.
Microsoft's implementation is close to that of Canonical, Ltd.'s Ubuntu, according to Neowin. As one would expect, power users will be able to switch between virtual desktops more quickly using keyboard shortcuts. The feature was first hinted at in February by Microsoft UI designer Jacob Miller.
It's worth noting that Windows actually has featured the ability to extend into virtual desktop since at least Windows 7. However, this capability was previously not built-in and required the use of third-party apps, most of which were somewhat clunky and unpolished, albeit well intentioned. Most users have been unaware of the existence of these options.
First up, Brad Sams of Neowin is reporting that new builds of Windows 9 currently being tested by Microsoft engineers include a button that allows you to select from multiple workspaces (desktops). These so-called "virtual desktops" are a feature that's long been found in most modern Unix-like operating systems including popular Linux distributions and OS X.
Microsoft's implementation is close to that of Canonical, Ltd.'s Ubuntu, according to Neowin. As one would expect, power users will be able to switch between virtual desktops more quickly using keyboard shortcuts. The feature was first hinted at in February by Microsoft UI designer Jacob Miller.
It's worth noting that Windows actually has featured the ability to extend into virtual desktop since at least Windows 7. However, this capability was previously not built-in and required the use of third-party apps, most of which were somewhat clunky and unpolished, albeit well intentioned. Most users have been unaware of the existence of these options.
The good news is that Microsoft will it be possible to get rid of annoying popup Windows called the charming bar. In its current form in Windows 8/8.1, the menu hovers on the right-hand side of your screen. The Charms menu currently provides general functionality -- e.g. a Start Button to return you to the beginning of the Metro (Modern UI) Start Menu and some fast shortcuts to common system functions (search settings). When you're running apps the Charms menu takes on a supporting role.
Apps commit to "Contracts" with the Charms menu, allowing for functionality like "Share" (where data is sent to other compatible registered apps, e.g. a camera app sending data to a Flickr app), "Search" (where content in the app is searched appropriately), and "Settings" (which reveals device specific settings).
On tablets Charms are a bit of learning curve, but ultimately a good thing. They're relatively easy to access on a touch-screen and provide quick, intuitive access to important functionality. But for traditional PCs they're one of the Windows 8/8.1 UI's biggest remaining annoyances, as they require a very delicate mouse over/hover in the corner/edge of the screen in order to coax them out of hiding.
Apps commit to "Contracts" with the Charms menu, allowing for functionality like "Share" (where data is sent to other compatible registered apps, e.g. a camera app sending data to a Flickr app), "Search" (where content in the app is searched appropriately), and "Settings" (which reveals device specific settings).
On tablets Charms are a bit of learning curve, but ultimately a good thing. They're relatively easy to access on a touch-screen and provide quick, intuitive access to important functionality. But for traditional PCs they're one of the Windows 8/8.1 UI's biggest remaining annoyances, as they require a very delicate mouse over/hover in the corner/edge of the screen in order to coax them out of hiding.
There is a new search button, sat to the right of the Start button, followed by the button to switch between multiple desktops. Which is more similar to Ubuntu desktop features. The right side of the taskbar, there is a new notification button, a pop-up message from a Windows app store application.
Credit given where its due, there are some tasty new features, including the new shadow effects and font anti-aliasing in the menus and desktop. The new virtual desktop bar at the bottom of the desktop, just above the task bar, also looks sleek and extremely useful, and will probably be used almost as often as the CTRL+ALT feature. The start menu has returned, and sports the return of the customary Windows 7-like search strip under the menu items, also reminiscent of Microsoft’s last good OS. So, changes for the good then? Sadly, that’s about it.
If chatter around the web is to be believed, Microsoft may release a preview of Windows 9 on September 30 or early October for experienced developers. However, the same reports say that Microsoft might not reveal the official name at the event next month, but instead just give an overview of the new features.