Microsoft Removes Start Button from Windows 8
After 17 years, the Start button is out.
Microsoft has made quite a few changes to the Windows user interface with Windows 8. Today, we learn about one more change the company has made to the upcoming operating system: the company is ditching the 'Start' button it first introduced with Windows 95.
Users of previous builds of Windows 8 will know that the Start button is flatter than we've seen in older iterations of Windows. The new appearance, though different to what users are accustomed to, better matched the over-all appearance of Windows 8. However, not content to just alter the Start button so that it better fits in with the Windows 8 UI, it seems Microsoft has elected to do away with the Start button completely.
Those that have used the Windows 8 "Consumer Preview" version (build 8220), which was leaked this weekend, say that the Start button has been removed. The Windows Superbar, first introduced in Windows 7, now extends the whole way across the bottom of the screen. However, all is not lost. The Verge cites sources close to Microsoft that say the Start button's functionality isn't completely dead:
"We have confirmed with sources close to Microsoft's Windows 8 development that a hot corner has replaced the Start button orb. A thumbnail-like user interface will appear in Metro or desktop mode, providing a consistent way to access the Windows desktop and Start Screen in Windows 8 regardless of touch or mouse input," writes Tom Warren. "The new interface is activated on hover from the lower-left corner of Windows 8 and includes a thumbnail preview of where you will navigate to after clicking on the new visual element."
So, it's gone, but it still exists in some form. No telling if this will be a permanent change before the final release of Windows 8, but we'll keep you posted.

Sometimes I wonder if the Execs at Microsoft even own a computer.
Sometimes I wonder if the Execs at Microsoft even own a computer.
This is untrue. Pressing the windows key will bring you right back to the metro tile desktop. Even from the "show desktop" mode.
Why remove one of the single-most iconic features of your Flagship Operating System?
I would keep it there, if not for anything else, than just for NOSTALGIA.
1. Metro Tiles are default (not the normal desktop)
2. Replacing the Start Menu with the Metro start page
3. Replacing the Start Button with a hot corner that no one is going to be able to find
I can't even fathom the number of tech support calls there will be for not being able to find the Start Button.
Oh, and by the way MS, we don't allow ANY wireless systems on our company network, not even the execs that have demanded to be able to get access with their iPads...... in fact, we ESPECIALLY don't allow any Apple product on our network.
Why?
If it's not wired, it's not secure.
Regarding apple?
We can't easily control what the Apple systems are getting access(iTunes crap for example) to with our own administrative systems without paying extra money. I mean, really, why should we pay more money in order to have control over our own network? Yea, sure we could do a mass ip/dns block, but it renders these stupid iPads nearly useless.....
And that is why Apple is never going to be a business company and just a hippy fanboi company
Well they have 100 billion cash in the bank so they must be doing something right from a business standpoint.