Recommended Posts

Which is what most users using a computer use... I want a mouse UI, I want a UI designed around the mouse, not a UI that *works* with a mouse.

I think the greater computer world is moving away from the mouse. When you think about it, the mouse is highly inefficient anymore on higher resolution displays. There comes a point where UI elements have to be sized up to accommodate these screens. There are also touch screens coming into mainstream, another user commented that Windows 7 is lost on these computers, and I agree. Adding Metro now sets up Microsoft for the next 15 or so years of computer evolution. I can guarantee by then, the mouse will be highly depreciated, even on desktops.

The Start Screen provides a way for you to see all of that information on one screen, due to what can be shown on tiles.That's the beauty of it. You could have your Start Screen up on one screen, with all of that, and then another screen free for a couple of applications.

No you don't see all the information. I would still have to scroll. It is much easier to navigate through Start Menu. What MS needed to do with Windows 8 is to keep Windows 7 interface, and introduce concept of virtual desktop and virtual start menu.

The Start Screen provides a way for you to see all of that information on one screen, due to what can be shown on tiles.That's the beauty of it. You could have your Start Screen up on one screen, with all of that, and then another screen free for a couple of applications.

I can also have Gadgets on my second screen that show me all this information, while leaving the rest of the second monitor free for more windows. I can do the same on single monitor.

Explain to me why a full screen display is better than having a couple things that provide the same detailed information off to the side of the screen leaving the rest full useable with no loss of the information.

I think the greater computer world is moving away from the mouse. When you think about it, the mouse is highly inefficient anymore on higher resolution displays. There comes a point where UI elements have to be sized up to accommodate these screens. There are also touch screens coming into mainstream, another user commented that Windows 7 is lost on these computers, and I agree. Adding Metro now sets up Microsoft for the next 15 or so years of computer evolution. I can guarantee by then, the mouse will be highly depreciated, even on desktops.

Not everyone has a touch screen, nor is everyone getting one. I find a mouse to be far more precise than my finger, I find that I have a hell of a time touching the right spot on a touchscreen, whereas I nail it every time with a mouse. Again certain things work better for different people.

Windows 95 UI was step forward from Windows 3.1 UI. Windows 8 UI is step backwards from what we have now. Mouse is more efficient tool than any gesture because nothing beats mouse in term of being precise especially in higher resolutions.

But when the UI elements continue to grow in size, what kind of precision do you still need? Any way you look at it, the mouse is loosing focus. I think it would be pretty cool to have a mouse-less PC that was controlled with a combination of keyboard, touch, and motion. The mouse is limiting desktop innovation.

But when the UI elements continue to grow in size, what kind of precision do you still need? Any way you look at it, the mouse is loosing focus. I think it would be pretty cool to have a mouse-less PC that was controlled with a combination of keyboard, touch, and motion. The mouse is limiting desktop innovation.

They grow in size because there was a huge touch screen hype, so a lot of peopel bought them, then were mad that they couldn't touch everything correctly. And I'd rather click once, then tap the screen 10x because I can't get the stupid X to click with a touch. The mouse in not limiting desktop innovation in any way.

The change in technology, and companies wanting to merge multiple devices and structures into one limits the innovation. I'm sorry but a bunch of boxes on a screen is hardly innovating.

However.. maybe the Windows 8 interface is a trick. They will come out with a new Windows 7 interface, completely refreshed for Windows 9, and everyone will cheer and thing MS is god-like. They are clearing the slate with Windows 8, so expectations and hopes fall, and people forget how awesome W7's interface is, so any improvement interface wise for W9 will be way more than if it had gone directly from Windows 7.

But when the UI elements continue to grow in size, what kind of precision do you still need? Any way you look at it, the mouse is loosing focus. I think it would be pretty cool to have a mouse-less PC that was controlled with a combination of keyboard, touch, and motion. The mouse is limiting desktop innovation.

No matter how big UI element is Mouse is still the most efficient way to click on things. Why we would need UI element to grow, that is just stupid. The reason i own 27" LCD (soon 30") screen is to have UI elements look smaller not bigger. I don't want UI which will make my 27" look like i am on 18" with regular desktop. I don't want dirty LCD screen. Motion and touch work in environment with no monitor -> virtual reality otherwise idea MS is trying to bring to PC over 10 years and every time ends up with failure.

But when the UI elements continue to grow in size, what kind of precision do you still need?

Right, but you're arguing a chicken and egg scenario. You're saying that precision isn't needed anymore because icons are getting larger, but others argue that icons are getting larger to compensate for the lack of precision you have when using your fingers compared to a mouse.

Of course I want an actual computer :s I just realise that there is no need to have many apps open on the screen at any one time, and I'm also well aware from experience that such a way of working becomes cumbersome and messy, yet because the option is there, I naturally allow myself to follow that cumbersome way of working. The Desktop mode is just too cumbersome and annoying to use all round. It isn't hard to use, the user experience is just annoying, compared to what the Windows 8 Metro experience offers.

Actually sometime there is a need to have many apps open. I work at a school and when doing state reporting and exporting/importing students into eDirectory or any other program, I'll using several different things all at the same time. That would be a mess with Metro.

No matter how big UI element is Mouse is still the most efficient way to click on things. Why we would need UI element to grow, that is just stupid. The reason i own 27" LCD (soon 30") screen is to have UI elements look smaller not bigger. I don't want UI which will make my 27" look like i am on 18" with regular desktop. I don't want dirty LCD screen. Motion and touch work in environment with no monitor -> virtual reality otherwise idea MS is trying to bring to PC over 10 years and every time ends up with failure.

Define "efficient". It takes less time to move our arms or touch an element than it does to mouse through everything, even less time to use the keyboard where your hands are anyways. Also, when our monitors DPI gets to a point where it's impossible to discern all those small UI elements, then what are you gonna do? Those old 9x elements are never going to scale up. Eventually, they'll be replaced by bigger ones that are easier to see and read.

But when the UI elements continue to grow in size, what kind of precision do you still need? Any way you look at it, the mouse is loosing focus. I think it would be pretty cool to have a mouse-less PC that was controlled with a combination of keyboard, touch, and motion. The mouse is limiting desktop innovation.

It sounds to me like you want a tablet, not a PC. Having to constantly hold my arm out and touch my screen to select text, cells in worksheet or design a UI in Visual Studio sounds like the most inefficient way to do pretty much anything.

You also sound like a Microsoft rep is full spin mode - "limiting desktop innovation" - what a load of s**t. Creating a UI paradigm and don't even work well with desktop hardware is what is going to limit desktop innovation.

Right, but you're arguing a chicken and egg scenario. You're saying that precision isn't needed anymore because icons are getting larger, but others argue that icons are getting larger to compensate for the lack of precision you have when using your fingers compared to a mouse.

Yes, but also elements are getting larger for the hard to see. But at what point does it become detrimental to keep around those 16x16 or 32x32 icons? The old static elements that people are clinging to are never going to scale up, so why not just replace them with clearer, easier to see and read, elements that *will* scale to anything you throw at it? Metro does that.

It sounds to me like you want a tablet, not a PC. Having to constantly hold my arm out and touch my screen to select text, cells in worksheet or design a UI in Visual Studio sounds like the most inefficient way to do pretty much anything. You also sound like a Microsoft rep is full spin mode - "limiting desktop innovation" - what a load of s**t. Creating a UI paradigm and don't even work well with desktop hardware is what is going to limit desktop innovation.

Uh, no. But just put it this way, in the movies and TV shows set in the future, do you still see people humorously throwing a mouse around their screens or workstations? Think about the computers seen in "Minority Effect", "Avatar", and the LCARS interface seen in "Star Trek". Any mice there? We're not going to get there mindlessly clinging onto the mouse. So, yes, it does limit innovation.

Windows 95 UI was step forward from Windows 3.1 UI. Windows 8 UI is step backwards from what we have now. Mouse is more efficient tool than any gesture because nothing beats mouse in term of being precise especially in higher resolutions.

But at the time there were people saying it was a step back, when 3.1 launched, people said it was a step back from DOS. People say Windows 7 is a stepback from XP. Notice a pattern here?

Uh, no. But just put it this way, in the movies and TV shows set in the future, do you still see users throwing a mouse around their screens? Think about the computers seen in "Minority Effect", "Avatar", and the LCARS interface seen in "Star Trek". Any mice there? We're not going to get there mindlessly clinging onto the mouse. So, yes, it does limit innovation.

Wow, really, movies? Software and hardware shown in movies has no basis in reality.

But seeing you brought it up, I don't see anyone doing any actual work (like I mentioned) in movies. Not just because that would be boring, but also because it would be impossible.

Of course I want an actual computer :s I just realise that there is no need to have many apps open on the screen at any one time, and I'm also well aware from experience that such a way of working becomes cumbersome and messy, yet because the option is there, I naturally allow myself to follow that cumbersome way of working. The Desktop mode is just too cumbersome and annoying to use all round. It isn't hard to use, the user experience is just annoying, compared to what the Windows 8 Metro experience offers.

The way I use my PC I want to be able to run many apps at once. I wouldn't have purchased three 30" displays if I didn't want many many apps open at once and visible. Metro dumbs everything down because they want to appeal to people that don't know how to use a computer. That isn't me and that is why I reject everything that Metro represents. It isn't better, it's basic.

Wow, really, movies? Software and hardware shown in movies has no basis in reality.

But seeing you brought it up, I don't see anyone doing any actual work (like I mentioned) in movies. Not just because that would be boring, but also because it would be impossible.

HA! Where do you think the inspiration came from for all the tech devices you own today? And nothing is impossible. Nothing. These movies will continue to inspire computer designers. So, yes, it is a valid point.

HA! Where do you think the inspiration came from for all the tech devices you own today? And nothing is impossible. Nothing. These movies will continue to inspire computer designers. So, yes, it is a valid point.

So how does your "valid" point link back to today and Windows 8 and users still doing work that requires the use of a mouse?

So how does your "valid" point link back to today and Windows 8 and users still doing work that requires the use of a mouse?

What I'm trying to say is, the mouse is slowly going away. With the introduction of mainstream touch and motion sense, people are going to be using the mouse less and less as Microsoft, Apple, and maybe even Google find a way to integrate these technologies into their operating systems. Microsoft is the first to do so on the desktop. Apple is bound to keep away for a few years as they play into the fears of Windows users like they always do, but they too will follow, I could almost guarantee for OSXI. But once Apple does it, like the lemmings they are, people will "love" it.

I purposely wrote it in a way that would sound sarcastic, haha, but I was actually being serious. There are very good reasons as to why I think the Metro experience's limitations are beneficial to all computer users. As I mention, I believe the current way everyone multitasks with Windows is flawed, and I think the restrictions the Metro experience provide will lead to everyone multitasking in a more efficient manner, helping their productivity while simultaneously improving their overall user experience.

Callum, bro, you're a good guy I'm sure. However, you know what I think?

I think you've lost your mind.

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

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • U.S. partially reverses Anthropic AI ban for Mythos but keeps Fable 5 off the market by Karthik Mudaliar Anthropic says that the U.S. government has finally allowed it to restore Claude Mythos 5. But of course, there's a catch. The rollout is again for a limited set of U.S. organizations that operate and defend critical infrastructure. The company announced this in a post on X (formerly Twitter). This does not mean that Anthropic's latest frontier models are back to normal availability. Fable 5, which was a tuned version of Mythos 5 for public release, remains unavailable. Anthropic said that it is still working with the government to expand Mythos 5 access and make Fable 5 available again, but there's no timeline. Reports from Bloomberg and Reuters say that this decision actually came through a letter from the U.S. Commerce Department. According to Reuters, this would allow more than 100 companies and institutions access to Mythos 5. Reuters also reported that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s letter removes the need for export licenses for approved companies’ non-US citizen employees, as well as Anthropic’s own non-US citizen employees, while restrictions remain for organizations outside the approved list. Anthropic isn't alone with this kind of controlled rollout. OpenAI's newest model family, GPT 5.6, was announced just yesterday, but isn't available for everyone yet. In its announcement, OpenAI also said that access to these models is initially limited to a select group of trusted partners and organizations, with broader access planned later this year. Both of these cases show that frontier AI launches are no longer just ordinary product releases and more like slow and vetted deployments shaped heavily by the U.S. government.
    • Sol, Terra, Luna - aren't those the names of failed crypto coins? 🤣🤣🤣
    • Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox by Taras Buria This week's news recap is here, with Microsoft giving Windows 10 one more year of support, Windows 11 getting new taskbar settings in preview updates, Steam Machine prices, higher XBOX prices, and many more. Quick links: Windows 10 and 11 Windows Insider Program Updates are available Reviews are in Gaming news Great deals to check Windows 11 and Windows 10 Here, we talk about everything happening around Microsoft's latest operating system in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting findings, and more. And, of course, you may find a word or two about older versions. On June 24, 2026, Windows 11 turned five. The controversial operating system was released half a decade ago, and during these years, it received a fair share of criticism (such as poor Windows Search and its web results), which Microsoft is now actively addressing with regular preview updates that deliver missing, long-requested features. With Windows 12 nowhere to be seen on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if Windows 11 can stay on the market for as long as Windows 10 did. Speaking of Windows 10 and staying on the market, this week, Microsoft quietly prolonged the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, allowing users to get one more year of security updates if they do not want or cannot upgrade to Windows 11. Finally, Microsoft released this month's non-security update for Windows 11. KB5095093 arrived with a traditionally long list of new features, including point-in-time restore, new Windows Update settings, quieter Windows Widgets, new accessibility features, File Explorer updates and performance improvements, and more. Windows Insider Program Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week: Builds Canary Channel Build 29617.1000 and build 28120.2374 These builds bring new accessibility features, new Windows Update controls, audio improvements, and more. Dev Channel Build 26300.8758 This build includes redesigned taskbar settings, File Explorer improvements, and more. Beta Channel Build 26220.8754 and build 28020.2366 This small update fixes the OneDrive bug in File Explorer, tweaks system sounds in dark mode, and more. Updates are available This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and coming soon) delivering new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third parties. If you use AI-powered browsing history search in Microsoft Edge, the company has bad news. A new update on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap revealed that Microsoft is discontinuing the feature. Despite using on-device models for natural search, some users found it creepy, claiming that Microsoft lacks trust in features like this. While the ability to find pages without using 100% precise words may sound cool, customers argued that it was nothing but another feature to bloat the browser with more AI. Good riddance? PowerToys received several updates this week. For one, Microsoft released version 0.100.1 with several improvements and bug fixes for the recently arrived version 0.100. A couple of days later, Microsoft dropped another update, this time fixing memory leaks in Command Palette Dock. In addition, the company is working on a new module that will make it easier to switch between windows within one application using the Alt + ` shortcut. The new module should make it to the stable release somewhere soon. Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting: New Ventoy update adds Windows 11's mandatory update support and more Microsoft updates Visual Studio Code with chat cost tracking and multi-agent chats Microsoft is building an AI datacenter that "uses less water than a fast food restaurant" Microsoft adds new AI study and teaching tools for free to Microsoft 365 Education Researchers claim Microsoft's quantum breakthrough is flawed by basic Python errors Microsoft is bringing a much-needed Recap app to Teams Microsoft's fast coding model, MAI-Code-1-Flash, comes to Copilot Business and Enterprise Here are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week: AMD Radeon Software 26.6.2 with FSR 4.1 support for RDNA 3 graphics card. However, the driver contained a bug, which prevented installations on Windows 10 PCs. AMD fixed that with a quick hotfix update. Reviews are in Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week This week, Steven Parker published several reviews. He shared his experience with the Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe, a high-quality sound card with a headphone amp, low-latency communications, great build quality, and DSD256. However, it is on the pricier side of the spectrum, and it lacks EMI shielding. Check out the full review here. The second review is about the TerraMaster F4-425 Pro, an octa-core Intel NAS with a stand-out feature: built-in AI (OpenClaw). We also published a few Hands On reviews, which you can view below: We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 hands on Hands-on with BOOX Tappy: cute little reading accessory Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25 affordable ergonomic mouse On the gaming side Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts, and more. If you plan to purchase a new Xbox, it's time to act now. This week, Microsoft announced yet another Xbox price increase. Starting August 1, 2026, all Xbox Series X|S models with 512 GB of storage will cost $100 more. As for the 1TB models, they are going up in price by a whopping $150. Finally, Microsoft is discontinuing the 2TB Xbox Series X. To make up for that, Microsoft announced a few programs to make its consoles more accessible. Those include BNPL, interest-free financing, pre-owned consoles, certified refurbished consoles, and more. Valve also shared some not-so-welcome news. The company has finally announced prices of the upcoming Steam Machine console, and if you plan to buy one, get ready to spend a whopping $1,049 on the 512GB configuration. The Steam Machine is now available for preorder, with shipments scheduled for June 29, 2026. Grand Theft Auto VI also received its official price tag. Rockstar Games announced that the long-anticipated game will launch at $79.99 for the base edition and $99.99 for the ultimate edition. The latter includes an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story." Those who preorder the game will get extra bonuses, including a Vintage Vice City Pack of cosmetic items as well as a free month of GTA+. NVIDIA announced new games for its GeForce NOW streaming service. Those include Dark Scrolls, SAND: Raiders of Sophie, Deer & Boy, EMPULSE, and more. Steam is running its annual Summer Sale, during which you can purchase plenty of various games with big discounts. It runs until July 9, so in case you missed it, you can still get some games at a lower price. Also, you can get two games for free in the Epic Games Store, plus more deals are available in this week's Weekend PC Game Deals issue. This link will take you to other issues of the Microsoft Weekly series. You can also support Neowin by registering for a free member account or subscribing for extra member benefits, along with an ad-free tier option.
    • Text extractor hasn't been working great on 0.99.1 but I am now updating to this version, hopefully it's better!
    • Yet you did exactly what they wanted you to do - is it better now without "Europrats"? BTW, UK had joined EU (EEC back then) and was one of the leading member states, it never joined Schengen Zone though 😉
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Woland13 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Woland13 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Year In
      bernmeister earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Week One Done
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      502
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      226
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      156
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      75
    5. 5
      FloatingFatMan
      71
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!