Rumor: Next Windows to Keep Modern UI, Live Tiles
The next release of Windows will sport a new kernel, a "flattened" desktop, and live tiles that can be re-sized.
eWeek has published a story based on info from an "enthusiast" at Taiwanese online forum PCBeta who claims to be an alpha tester of the new version of Windows. This person reports that Microsoft will be sticking with the Modern UI overlay, but is also borrowing a few tricks from Windows Phone 8, seemingly blurring the line between the two screens.
According to this source, codenamed "Maxy", the next Windows release will offer more customization options than before, one of which is the ability to re-size the Live Tiles on the Modern UI interface. This means consumers will be able to expand their favorite tiles, giving them more virtual real estate than those less frequently used.
Unfortunately, that's it for anything fresh and new. As previously reported, Microsoft is shooting for yearly Windows updates for a low price rather than wait every three or four years to release an upgrade. The company has already shown that it's willing to take on this low-priced model by testing the $40 waters with the latest Windows 8 Pro upgrade.
Microsoft's "Windows Blue" scheme will reportedly begin late summer / early fall 2013 with the next desktop and mobile OS release. It will either be offered at a very low price point, or completely free to ensure that all Microsoft customers upgrade to the latest platform. Keep in mind that offering a cheap or free upgrade means most consumers may jump at the chance, thus making the overall Windows platform more secure and less fragmented.
As for the upgrade numbering system, there are reports that the next big release will be Windows 9. But there's a good chance Microsoft will revert back to the days of Windows 3.x and make the desktop release Windows 8.1 and the mobile release Windows Phone 8.1. Regardless, consumers will need a legitimate copy of both before upgrading to the 2013 release – those updating from a pirated copy will see their apps and the Windows Store itself cease functioning.
For the record, eWeek's source claims to be alpha testing "Windows 9 dev" so maybe Microsoft will stick to whole numbers for each yearly release while possible service packs will bump the current platform up a decimal – who knows at this point. This source also reports that the desktop will remain intact in the next release (yay), but will be "flattened" to better mesh with the Modern UI overlay. A new kernel (6.3) will also be used, the source said.
Can't MS notice that people use keyboard and mouse instead of touchscreen in office? People also want to tweak their OS to their own taste, not restricted to a rigid style.
Can't MS notice that people use keyboard and mouse instead of touchscreen in office? People also want to tweak their OS to their own taste, not restricted to a rigid style.
Dry
Not having any real issues with Win8 at all; personally, I spend 99.999% of my time in the Desktop and frankly can't understand why people always gotta bitch and complain.
I would not mind being able to use an image(due to the tile size) for non Windows Store programs.
-Tablet market is large and growing fast enough that Intel, AMD, and Nividia are trying to push in. MS is smart for taking the cue, they just need to fix some flaws with Win 8 or at least make sure the next Windows is like Win 7 (in terms of popularity)
- Linux is far from gaining the same compatibility advantage that Windows has. How many business software do you think run on Linux with relatively little issue?
1. u cant resize it to smaller size
2. the start word @ the top left is useless, it serve no purpose. waste of space, IMO it should have be replace with a time/date clock + power button instead
3. There are too many gap between 4 edges of the start screen. This should have be use for putting more tiles, not empty thing.
4. Tiles are too big on desktop monitor, still too big on 13" laptop as well, u can get it smaller to fit more tiles on the screen.
5. Tiles are always group into 2 columns, they will not fill out the existing columns b4 adding 1 more.
6. IMO, the tiles on the search screen(appear when u type something on start screen) are actually better than the start screen itself.
obviously the guy who design this metro UI is an idiot, because that screen isnt good in any platform, poor use of screen real estate.
Linux is FREE and still people won't touch it, other than people living in their mother's basement. Sure some businesses use it, but we're not talking about them.
And you're right- true portable computing is here and we're just in its infancy. MS does have some catching-up to do, but really only on the 'app store' side of things.
The people bitching and complaining about Win8 really have no clue as to what they are talking about since a user never really has to be on the Metro Start screen, and Win8 is at least equal to and superior than in other cases when talking about performance vs. Win7. People just don't seem to understand they can organize that Start screen the way the like it and can also add-in 3rd party apps that will return a Win7 Start Button on the Desktop.
Remember first that Metro Win8 is a touch-first UI. If you want to cram shit on the screen, use the desktop.
Next, Many of the tiles can be made smaller or larger, but as I said, I think that applies ONLY to either the default apps or what was purchased from the Store.
You can also REMOVE tiles on the Start screen by right-clicking on a selection and then choose unpin from start screen.
Yes it is kinda goofy that there are those columns, but it's nothing to lose sleep over.
You're wanting a clock or other such 4-1-1 in lieu of the word Start is your opinion and really has nothing to do with anything. I want porn to be my Start screen background.
You do know that you can group tiles into custom column groups, right?
Honestly if the Metro Start screen pisses you off so much, why are you spending so much time on it? I've had Win8 RTM on my machine for about a month now (not to mention the time I had the CP and RP versions), and I've hardly spent any time in Metro. My Start screen is a mess, but at least I know how to clean it up.
Viva la Windows 7! (after 2020, they'd better have their shit together)