New consumer preview of the upcoming Windows 8 operating system suggests the removal of the traditional start button with Windows logo.
A bold step to introduce a new consumer experience?
Last week, we were treated by a leak that suggested the Windows 8 strategy of focusing on tablets and smartphones, and it looks like the development team at Redmond will introduce another big shift that might give the customers a new way to interact with the Microsoft operating system.
According to The Verge article posted on Sunday, Microsoft’s Consumer Preview featuring the new Windows 8 is suggesting the removal of the “Start Menu.” For starters Windows start menu is the default icon that gives access to settings, applications and other programs installed in the operating system. If true, then it looks like the Windows 8 will need a new access icon, like for example, “settings app” and “applications installed app.”
Similar to other mobile-centric operating systems like the iOS and Android, Windows 8 might offer new systems. With the iOS, users can get access to all the apps installed through settings, while the Android also offers a setting app (Android Ice Cream Sandwich), where users can also access the installed applications through the “apps” section.
The report is suggesting that Microsoft will introduce a new icon in the dashboard that will provide access to the Windows preference or the Windows 8 dashboard regardless of touch (your finger) or the traditional mouse input.
According to latest data posted by multiple research firms, the demand is now shifting from PCs to smartphones and tablets. In fact, the latest data presented by Canalys suggest that smartphone shipments last year overtake PC shipments (which includes tablet computers), and Android and iOS operating system have taken major market shares.
Microsoft’s future platforms will reportedly show-off a unified ecosystem, last week’s leak suggests, adding that the two platforms will share the same user interface with the same system that will allow app developers to re-use their codes for faster implementation and applications development.
Aside from the new user interface and integration with the Windows Phone, the Windows 8 is reportedly set to incorporate Microsoft’s Kinect Technology. According to a tip posted last month, ASUS and Microsoft have partnered to develop a laptop with built-in Kinect sensors that will allow users to take advantage of the motion control. The report added that ASUS is currently testing its two Windows 8 prototypes.
