Recommended Posts

Hello Neowin community! I needed to write this out so I could feel free from it. These are my set of improvements that I believe that Windows 8 needs to have.

First of all, before any of you think that the first improvement is to disable Metro, you are wrong. Metro has been a start, but I feel it needs to be polished further.

  1. Allow multiple dragging in Start Screen. They added multiple selections (Thanks God), but need to have the ability to multiple drag objects at the same time.
  2. Have an option to extend the Start Screen through all the screens (When having 2+ of them).
  3. Have a ?metro-ized? Windows Explorer. (Like Internet Explorer with its 2 versions)
  4. When clicking on the network icon or something else, it triggers a humongous vertical rectangle; make it so it doesn?t take part of the taskbar (when positioned horizontally).
  5. Jump Menu in Start Screen. One of the biggest features of Win 7 Start Menu was the ability of a jump list which was great for launching recent files. This could be implemented like this:
    • Right click on an icon and on the upper screen or in the bar that comes from below, make a list appear displaying the most recent or pinned items.

[*]Add an optional shortcut to shutdown/restart/hibernate/sleep faster (Could be at the user?s tile).

[*]Have a folder or make folders with an animated effect of contracting and expanding its content (fading or scrolling effect). contents. This is to make the Start Screen more organized. I wouldn?t like to meet it when it reaches to 100+ programs (Zoom will not help)

[*]Have more than 2 metro apps running at the screen. I believe that having 2 at a time (max) is not enough. There are many of them that can be split in fewer dimensions.

[*]Have a keyboard combination or a mouse gesture which allows resizing the Metro Apps to your own like + an option of Tile Vertically, Horizontally or Stacked (Within the Metro Ecosystem).

[*]Option to have multiple background images so it can fit the proportions (or make a still one with a background, much like implementing the Desktop?s wallpaper configuration to it) of the screen .

[*]Allow the Start Screen to pin items wherever you want, as Desktop Style. What I mean is to allow putting an item in a position you want without the other moving to another column. (I was ****ed off with the CP and DP when I tried organizing the items the way I liked)

[*]Add the RGB combination of colors to the Start Screen.

[*]Make dark window-colors readable when Aero Basic is enabled. Try putting it black, you won?t be able to read the current Window at all.

[*]All-Search (Independent). It?s a very welcomed feature the distribution of search within a specified category (Files, Settings and Programs), but I feel that they need to bring back the unsorted search like Windows Vista/7; you could press start and search anything and the first thing that pops up would generally match what you were looking for. (This could be triggered through a WinKey combination)

[*]Make a mini-start screen available. There are many people which are infuriated with Metro for taking away their focus on what they were originally doing.

[*]Dramatically improve the Metro Versions of Video and Music Players: Make it more Zune.

[*]Make the start button an option. Could be disabled by default, but I feel uncomfortable when I need to go to the edge of the screen to trigger the Start Screen (Although I believe I?ll get used to it in time).

[*]Make Kinect gestures available to the Metro interface. It?s perfectly usable with Kinect, why not implement it by default?

[*]Add the ability to multiple select the files instantaneously with the mouse. This is the same as selecting multiple files when pressing the left button of the mouse (without letting go of it) and going all over the files. Shift combination should also be implemented.

Well, there they are. I haven't come up with anything else to improve Win8 experience, so what do you guys think?

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1062668-windows-8-my-list-of-improvements/
Share on other sites

Microsoft won't listen to you (or anybody). Period.

I'm always interested in seeing how others believe a product can be improved, if it's a product that I'm interested in (like Windows 8 is). Microsoft do listen to feedback from many people sometimes, but even if you don't believe they will, there's no harm in publishing a list of what you'd like to see, either just in case anyone from Microsoft sees it or just to start a discussion :)

  • Like 1

My list is simpler.

1. Give us option to disable Metro or choose whether to install it or not during Setup.

2. If i get option to disable Metro i don't give a f. about what you gonna do with it for those who wants to use it.

:)

In that case, why buy into Windows 8? Sounds to me like you'd be wasting money just to re-buy Windows 7. Windows 8 IS Metro, whether you want it or not. Take Metro (everything) away, and all you're left with is a new Explorer layout.

In that case, why buy into Windows 8? Sounds to me like you'd be wasting money just to re-buy Windows 7. Windows 8 IS Metro, whether you want it or not. Take Metro (everything) away, and all you're left with is a new Explorer layout.

Not true, there's more to Windows 8 than Metro.

In that case, why buy into Windows 8? Sounds to me like you'd be wasting money just to re-buy Windows 7.

If it's a new PC, there isn't much choice, unless the OEM's offer to install Win7 instead (unlikely).

Windows 8 IS Metro, whether you want it or not. Take Metro (everything) away, and all you're left with is a new Explorer layout.

The desktop could be metro styled without forcing the start screen/tile interface down everybody's throats.

Interesting list.

15.One is now available from a 3rd party and I'm sure that's how it will stay, MS won't veer from the new Start Screen

16. As noted in the CP these are previews, I'm sure they'll get more features, although hard to say how much more will be added.

17. Why are you moving the mouse all the way round for the "start button" when the WinKey is so much easier to hit?

My list is simpler.

1. Give us option to disable Metro or choose whether to install it or not during Setup.

2. If i get option to disable Metro i don't give a f. about what you gonna do with it for those who wants to use it.

:)

It's not going to happen so you might as well stop constantly moaning about it. You need to get with the times.

Did people have to 'get with the times' when Vista was released? Windows Me? Microsoft Bob?

Yes, yes and no. Not immediately, but likely eventually. For example, Vista and Me both introduced elements of Windows almost everyone happily takes for granted now (e.g. overhauled UI, and system restore, respectively). That being said, I am not endorsing the Win8 changes, as I have yet to experience them first hand.

I really like your list and I hope MS does pick some of your ideas, specially the first 6 items on your list.

I think 7 and 8 are just not possible at the moment.

They try to have an app model that works both on Tablets and PC's.

For those tablets it would be very memory and battery consuming if they can have more then 2 apps open at a time.

That's also the reason they have to be full screen, that way they can go in a suspended mode as soon as it disappears from the screen.

If you can resize them they will never go in suspended mode, because they just keep occupying the screen

It would be nice if MS would adjust that problem, but we all have to realize that Win8 is basically a 1.0 version of a new app platform.

Maybe by Win9 they adjust the app model that you can do these things if you are on a PC or laptop.

Further down the list you got a couple of other good ones.

About the apps, we all know they are still in pre BETA stage so we can hope that they will be updated over time, hopefully we see regular updates before it goes into RC

I like that you actually took the time to think about how to make it better, instead of just saying it doesn't work like Win 7 so it s*cks

Nice one

Microsoft's internals.

No user wants their beloved OS to become like Windows 8.

Speak for yourself.

I have absolutely zero issues with the Consumer Preview, which is now my main OS (and on a desktop).

Just because some of you will fight change with all the fervor of the supporters of certain GOP presidential candidates, do NOT lump all users of Windows in that crowd, thank you.

Speak for yourself.

I have absolutely zero issues with the Consumer Preview, which is now my main OS (and on a desktop).

Just because some of you will fight change with all the fervor of the supporters of certain GOP presidential candidates, do NOT lump all users of Windows in that crowd, thank you.

Time will tell, isn't it.

We'll see how Windows 8 sells. :)

Time will tell, isn't it.

We'll see how Windows 8 sells. :)

Even if Windows 8 sells poorly, Metro isn't going away. It'll be refined and sharpened for Windows 9. If Apple wants to believe they are in a "Post-PC" world, I think Microsoft wants them to eat their own words, which means drastic changes for Windows yet to come.

  • All-Search (Independent). It?s a very welcomed feature the distribution of search within a specified category (Files, Settings and Programs), but I feel that they need to bring back the unsorted search like Windows Vista/7; you could press start and search anything and the first thing that pops up would generally match what you were looking for. (This could be triggered through a WinKey combination)

I believe what you're asking for is unified search and I wanted this to. And it is there. Don't use a search hotkey, when the start screen is up, just start typing what you're looking for. It will search everything and display the results. Whether or not what you're looking for will be the first result can't be guaranteed though.

Even if Windows 8 sells poorly, Metro isn't going away. It'll be refined and sharpened for Windows 9. If Apple wants to believe they are in a "Post-PC" world, I think Microsoft wants them to eat their own words, which means drastic changes for Windows yet to come.

I think Microsoft agrees with Apple and is trying to catch up by shoehorning a tablet UI onto a very productive and loved desktop UI. You know Microsoft can't take down iPad in a fair fight, tablet vs. tablet. So they will leverage their desktop dominance, I'm not sure they have a choice.

I think Microsoft agrees with Apple and is trying to catch up by shoehorning a tablet UI onto a very productive and loved desktop UI. You know Microsoft can't take down iPad in a fair fight, tablet vs. tablet. So they will leverage their desktop dominance, I'm not sure they have a choice.

If you think about it, it makes sense. Apple is tip-toeing around with the iPad, and ignoring many usability features Windows tablets have had for years.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 Ergonomic Office Chair review: The Ikea of chairs by Steven Parker I've reviewed a few gaming chairs over the past three years or so and generally found them to score well in our reviews. SIHOO reached out asking if I was interested in taking a look at their flagship chair, the Doro C300 Pro V2. I never got the chance to check out its predecessor, but the V2 is described as an "Adaptive Ergonomic Chair." It became available to buy in April of this year. Let's get things rolling with a closer look at the specifications and features. Specifications Doro C300 Pro V2 Model Ergonomic Materials Mesh Back and Seat; Soft PU Coated Armrests Height adjustability 45.5 - 53 cm / 17.5" - 20.9" Seat (w+d) 52 x 43 - 47 cm / 20.5" x 16.9" - 18.5" (adjustable) Backrest 52 – 60 cm / 20.5" - 23.6" (adjustable) Lumbar support Mesh built-in (adjustable) Armrest adjustability 8D Bionic Armrests Rocking angle 105°, 120°, 135° (fixed) Neck support Mesh built-in (adjustable) Net weight 27.3 kg / 59.64 lbs Weight support 150 kg / 330 lbs Colors Black, White Warranty 5 years (upon registering) Price $499.99, $539.99 Introduction At first glance, it looks like a chair that in another life wants to be a Herman Miller; It certainly looks like my Aeron Remastered, but the Doro C300 Pro V2 has quite a few more features and costs quite a bit less. SIHOO says that it is made up of a "DynaCore" system that tracks your movement and synchronizes the headrest, backrest, lumbar support, and armrests as you shift, twist, or recline. They also say that the "SyncroFlex Backrest" molds to your spine, which kind of describes how the mesh fabric works in most ergonomic chairs, but anyway. Below are the meat and potatoes measurements for the chair. Here is the same tech sheet, but in inches. Durability I would be remiss to not talk about the various durability testing this chair underwent before coming to market, as this is claimed on the product page. First of all, the chair is BIFMA-, SGS-, and TÜV-certified. As for durability, the tests undergone were: 100,000 Castor cycles tested 120,000 Armrest cycles tested 120,000 Recline cycles tested 120,000 Gas lift cycles tested 60,000 Armrest durability cycles tested 120,000 Rotation cycles tested Nothing about weights testing, though. Now that's all disclosed, now onto my own personal findings. Assembly The Doro C300 Pro V2 came in two large boxes (1) (2), and everything was packed very well, protecting the different parts of the chair. In the box, there is a folded sheet that explains the 12 steps to assemble it; they are: Remove the bottom cover on the aluminum base; Insert the five legs into the aluminum base and use ten screws to fasten them; Insert the castors into the legs; Replace the bottom cover on the bottom of the aluminum base; Place the Class 4 Hydraulics gas cylinder into the aluminum base; Screw the bottom part of the arm rests, taking care of the orientation using two screws on each side; Use three torx screws to fasten the footrest to the bottom of the seat; Fasten the backrest to the seat using four torx bolts; Fasten the armrests to the backrest using four Torx bolts (two on each side), taking care to note the orientation; Place the chair onto the Class 4 Hydraulics gas cylinder; Insert the headrest into the top of the backrest; Use two torx screws to fasten the headrest to the backrest. There's also an online guide you can refer to. Carefully unpacking the two boxes took around 15 minutes because almost everything is wrapped in plastic and protective foam; the chair assembly itself took around an hour. I say in the above assembly steps to take note of the orientation, because it's not obvious which way around the bottom portion of the armrests go, and although there is an L and R on the bottom of the armrests, it also wasn't clear from the instructions which was actually left or right, facing the chair, or in the seated down orientation? Anyway, I ended up putting the bottom portions on the wrong sides, and after securing one of the armrests, I discovered that although it was on the correct side, the armrest base could rotate a full 360°, but not when bolted to the chair, so I had to remove it, rotate it, and then bolt it back on. Truly an Ikea experience! Also, to complicate things further, although all the parts are labeled from A to X (yes, that's 24 parts) unhelpfully, these letters do not appear on the parts themselves or the package with the bolts, screws, and washers. There's also a pair of protective gloves in the box, but I think they were made for much smaller hands than I have. Even my friend, who is 5.1, had difficulty putting them on. Once assembled, I needed to sit down. Anyway, as I said, it looks quite similar to my Herman Miller. And here is the back of it. If you look at the product page and on Amazon, it seems like a lot of thought has gone into the chair itself and what it's capable of, but there is no mention at all about the castors, and this is an area where I think the chair trips up quite quickly. I found it difficult to move the chair in any direction. I asked a friend who came to visit me earlier this week to test my findings, and she said that the wheels were "no good," so it definitely isn't just me. I am 6'2 myself and a big guy, I work from home and gained a few pounds from mostly staying in and the hell away from other people. However, the Doro C300 Pro V2 is rated for up to 150kg (330lbs), which in my case is used well within its max rating. Ergonomics The number of adjustments you can make, right up to setting it in nap mode — which I haven't fully tested yet — is what you'd expect from a premium chair. Yes, you can go up and down (max 7.5 cm adjustment), rock back and forth (with tilt adjustment), and lock the chair between three stages of 105°, 120°, 135°, which is not quite as flat as the AndaSeat I tested at 160°. Some thought has also gone into the "8D" armrests, too, which are cushioned but quite firm; you'll only know it if you press hard into the PU-covered tops, which give about half a centimeter, but it's enough to ensure your skin won't get awkwardly stuck to it in warmer (or sweatier) conditions. It almost feels like plastic and is very easy to keep clean. However, the armrest positions move far too easily, and I am not sure what that "elbow" function is. Maybe it is good for a short person with short arms, anyway, I never used it and kept it flat at all times. There are eight levels of adjustment for the armrests, they are: backwards, forwards, swing left/right, height up and down, tilt, and 360° rotation, which can be handy for desk clearance. As I said, the armrest pads shift far too easily, which could give off an ergonomic vibe, but who wants the armrest sliding when you are shifting weight? The height adjustability does lock into place when lifting and adjusting. Comfort This is ultimately what it boils down to at the end of the day, right? Quite a lot of reviews praise the comfort of this chair, and I don't disagree that the mesh seating is quite comfortable. I am used to the material from my daily Herman Miller. However, the backrest cannot be locked into place, and this is actually a feature; as you shift or recline yourself on the chair, the backrest moves with your body. It took some getting used to. The lumbar gives ample support, but I would have preferred an adjustable one built into the seat base, as this causes the backrest to move up and down at will. Again, as with my previous chair review, this chair is also rated for tall people, but nowhere in the product documentation does it say how tall. Being 6'2 myself, I'm happy to say that the backrest is tall and wide enough, and thought has been given to being able to adjust the neck rest, but as others have mentioned in their reviews, people as tall as 6.2ft is about the limit for the neckrest. Conclusion What I didn't like The footrest is rated for 15kg (33 lbs), which to me seems a bit light, and after looking online, it seems like a chair footrest for adults must be at least twice that rating. In all honesty, they are just hollow metal tubes, so it is not recommended to let a kid sit on them. I also feel like it doesn't really go out far enough for my height, so that kind of puts the dampener on me being able to use it regularly. I'll just have to continue to use my subwoofer as a footrest! I do not like the armrests being able to shift around as easily as they can, and they are a little too forward-positioned in the chair to comfortably sit close to my desk, because even in the lowest height position, they don't allow me to go under the desk like is possible with my Herman Miller. I also feel like this chair could have been delivered partially constructed, especially the armrests on the seat, and why the aluminum base wasn't already pre-constructed (without the castors) is baffling, considering it would have fit in one of the two boxes that way. The instructions also need to be clearer. On the pamphlet, there's an A to X listing (which is also used in the steps), but none of the physical parts use this lettering system! What I did like I'll be honest, I haven't used it for very long, just one week, and seating comfort is subjective after all! Any spills wiped straight off it, the stitching, and the lines look great, not a fray to be seen or stitch out of place. It looks kind of cool, too. My favorite feature of these seats is the nap mode. While you're not lying completely flat, it leans far back enough to make you easily doze off after a heavy gaming or working session. Overall, this chair offers plenty of comfort features. The MSRP does vary quite a bit depending on the region, at £549.99 in the UK, and €580 in Europe, and $599 before tax in the U.S. However, shipping is free, which is a bonus for such a heavy item. Is it worth it, though? At three years' warranty, I think it's a decent deal. Another firm out of Germany sent me a free replacement hydraulic gas spring for a chair that failed after almost four years, so it was well outside its two-year warranty. My advice is to always try, as you might have the same luck I did. If I could fault it at all, it would be the constant shifting of the armrests and backrest. Where to buy Although the footrest variant normally costs $539.99, it has been discounted to $469.99 on the official website in Black or White. In fact, the non-footrest variant is only $40 cheaper. On Amazon, it currently costs more at $499.99 links below. Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 for $469.99 (official website) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 for $499.99 at Amazon US SIHOO provided a free sample without any review or pre-approval. Good to know This Amazon link is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Making US citizens pay is a prominent tool? Joke of the week…
    • Price Drop: Save 86% on Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus lifetime digital license by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save 86% on a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows. This bundle is for families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. A one-time purchase installed on 1 Windows PC for use at home or work. Lifetime license for MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, & OneNote One-time purchase installed on 1 Windows PC for use at home or work Instant Delivery & Download – access your software license keys and download links instantly Free customer service – only the best support! Microsoft Office Professional 2021 (for Windows) includes: Microsoft Office Word Microsoft Office Excel Microsoft Office PowerPoint Microsoft Office Outlook Microsoft Office Teams Microsoft Office OneNote Microsoft Office Publisher Microsoft Office Access No faffing about with subscriptions, just classic apps that don't expire. Good to Know ONE-TIME PURCHASE INSTALLED ON 1 DEVICE Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: desktop Full versions No subscriptions – no monthly/annual fees Version: 2021 Updates included* *Support for this version of Office ends on Oct 13, 2026 A lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office 2021 Professional normally costs $219.99, but this deal can be yours for just $29.97, that's a saving of $190. For full terms, specifications, and license info, click the link below. Get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for just $29.97, or learn more Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • The only reason I want to know where you from is because if you are not from the U.K, then why should you care what we in the U.K do or don't do? Racist I am not, I am fed up with the amount coming over here and feel they can come over here and think we need to support them. Do you know how much it costs this country to support these people coming over here? Even when we give them a place to live it is not good enough. We had a barge that was being used to house immigrants, oh but that was not good enough. A mate said to me at the time, when he was homeless, he would have been happy to live on the barge, instead of ending up sleeping on a bench on the beach. I am not scared to say what my family heritage is, unlike you who is scared to say where they are from or where they live. Father side U.S, mother side Wales, still have family living in the U.S. A mate who sadly died a few years ago, had a load of people from different races recording in his studio, I got on with all of them. Skin colour don't bother me, where they are from don't bother me. Religion don't bother me as long as they don't push it onto me and it is not crazy stuff. I am not religious. But if you are not living in the U.K, then why should you care if we are in the E.U or not? This the problem, too many people poking their noses into where it don't belong. But you believe what you believe, if you think I am racist, then be it, I really do not care. Just grow a pair
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      jessse3334 earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Reacting Well
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • One Month Later
      Excellence2025 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Excellence2025 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      506
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      203
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      151
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      73
    5. 5
      macoman
      62
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!