[Opinion]To all of you Metro Lovers

[Digitalfox]

Hi,

Look, I think it's time for you Metro lovers to realize a couple of things.

Me and I believe many others, have no problem to have Metro on a Phone (I recently even bought a WP7.5 to my mom), on a tablet similar to the iPad and even on the Desktop/Notebook/Netbook.

There's no problem that it comes by default in Desktop/Notebook/Netbook, I'm sure many will love it and find it very easy to do.

My mother or my father, would sure find much more simple to open a Webpage, with IE on Metro.

But even in a option very hidden (UAC or even in registry), give to all of us who don't find metro to be their best way of working and organizing there apps, the old and outdated (like many Metro lovers like to stress) Start menu and the ability to start from the desktop mode or even disable Metro all together...

Now many will just say, stick to Windows 7, since you can't understand how to use a brand new GUI...

Or even worse, "If you don't use Metro there's no reason to use Windows 8"...

That's just wrong and at the same time stupid when coming from people who read the Win8Blog or have some knowledge of all the underneath changes that happen on Windows 8.

- Faster Boot up. On one of my machines, from 59s(Win7+SP1) to 23s(Win8 CP).

- Improved explorer, with Copy/Pause/All actions in the same window, etc..

And don't even start me, with using teracopy, that is nothing like having this operations in a native way.

- Mount ISO's, again nothing like having no need for a third party app.

- New Task Manager, far really better... Again... I know you can use Sysinternals, not the same thing (Although, yes Sysinternals is still more powerful)...

- Instant Network connection.. How many times have I turned o a PC from Sleep and had to wait 5 or even 10 seconds to copy a file from it, just because it's connecting to the network just like it was restarted...

Now, I'm sure I'm going to read some strong words against me.

But this post is from a guy who started with a Spectrum back in the 80s, then Commodore Amigas 500 and 600, and had my first PC a Intel 386 running MS-DOS...

I went all the way from Windows 3.11 -> 95 -> 98 -> 98SE -> 2000 -> ME(just a few weeks) -> 2000 -> XP -> Vista -> 7 ...

So Microsoft (I know that there are members from Neowin who do work at Microsoft and more precisely in Windows 8 development), I know I'm just a user on millions if not billions of Windows users, but like me I can feel and quite honestly just by reading dozens of forums each day that people want to have the option of opting out of Metro, so please just give the option..

It won't hurt who want's to use Metro, and will make the life of who doesn't want to use Metro now or in the near future a far better one, a happy Windows costumer...

[Linkinfamous]

People had similar complaints against the start menu. I know people who stayed on Windows 3.11 for years because they didn't want a different UI. There's room for improvement, but overall, the benefits of having a unified UI paradigm across all these device platforms outweigh the only major downside, I've come across, which is that it's "different". It's not inherently worse, at least not in any usage case I've seen after a couple weeks of using it. On a PC, is it worth it? Probably not. It's not inherently better or worse as a UI, in my opinion. But you can't look at it in a vacuum. When you consider the whole: That is, having apps that seamlessly transition between all these different devices, it shows benefit. And let's face it, you don't really have much of a choice. It's nearing completion at this point.

[Brandon H Supervisor]

I love your post and you made some very good points

but microsoft will not provide any way to disable metro because in very basic words, they are experimenting. they want to see how average people react and get used to it after RTM, and if there was a way to turn it off, most people wouldn't even give metro a chance

I can understand why people don't really like it on the desktop, but it's still maturing at this time and like the ability to see some info without even having to open an app, which is one of the key points microsoft is going for

who's to say whether or not metro start screen will still be there in Windows 9, IMO it will all depend on the statistics and info microsoft gathers after RTM

[Lels]

Can these points not be made in an already existing Windows 8 thread? Pretty sure there are quite a few of them. The shear amount of Windows 8 threads like this is getting ridiculous to say the least...

[a1ien]

Even Windows 95 didn't remove the program manager from Windows 3.1. You could switch the shell to use program manager instead of the start menu if you wanted.

And please, don't forget the reason for forcing Metro on us: to keep it in the face of developers and to encourage tablet app development so that MS does not lose the war to Apple wrt to the iPad.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

Look, I think it's time for you Metro lovers to realize a couple of things.

That's always a great intro...

I love Metro. It works awesomely on phones, and can do on desktops (metroTwit)...

But I just feel MS have used it terribly.

[Brandon H Supervisor]

That's always a great intro...

I love Metro. It works awesomely on phones, and can do on desktops (metroTwit)...

But I just feel MS have used it terribly.

which is why I believe that Windows 8 is very much an experiment for Microsoft

[Digitalfox]

People had similar complaints against the start menu. I know people who stayed on Windows 3.11 for years because they didn't want a different UI. There's room for improvement, but overall, the benefits of having a unified UI paradigm across all these device platforms outweigh the only major downside, I've come across, which is that it's "different". It's not inherently worse, at least not in any usage case I've seen after a couple weeks of using it. On a PC, is it worth it? Probably not. It's not inherently better or worse as a UI, in my opinion. But you can't look at it in a vacuum. When you consider the whole: That is, having apps that seamlessly transition between all these different devices, it shows benefit. And let's face it, you don't really have much of a choice. It's nearing completion at this point.

I understand that, but a option wouldn't create problems for the average user.

I love your post and you made some very good points

but microsoft will not provide any way to disable metro because in very basic words, they are experimenting. they want to see how average people react and get used to it after RTM, and if there was a way to turn it off, most people wouldn't even give metro a chance

I can understand why people don't really like it on the desktop, but it's still maturing at this time and like the ability to see some info without even having to open an app, which is one of the key points microsoft is going for

who's to say whether or not metro start screen will still be there in Windows 9, IMO it will all depend on the statistics and info microsoft gathers after RTM

I believe nothing major will change between now and the RTM, the RC will just have a couple of new icons an images and that's it.

Can these points not be made in an already existing Windows 8 thread? Pretty sure there are quite a few of them. There shear amount of Windows 8 threads like this is getting ridiculous to say the least...

I wanted a new topic, because most people won't even bother to read the ones that already exist with many pages, or because they already have a opinion over those topics or don't want' read them again.

[Detection]

I completely agree with OP

Windows and MS should and should always be about choice, they advertise about how they have brought into the equation, US. (Not the U.S, US as in We)

US ? NO.

Link me to a "We Want Metro Only" Thread as powerful as all the threads I have read Against Pure Metro, and I`ll stand down.

Microsoft, what you are creating with metro is good, damn, its great. But what you created with Windows 7 was outstanding.

The improvements over 7 are something we never expected, so bravo, but the downsides are pitiful. We only ask one thing. A choice.

Sh*t.. make it difficult, make it subscription only, whatever, but make it a choice.

EDIT - I hate retrospect ... Damn you alcohol

but I agree with the above post..

[argonite]

I love your post and you made some very good points

but microsoft will not provide any way to disable metro because in very basic words, they are experimenting. they want to see how average people react and get used to it after RTM, and if there was a way to turn it off, most people wouldn't even give metro a chance

Also because Microsoft doesn't want support calls going like this:

Technician: "Okay now press the lower left corner of the screen to open the start screen and click 'Messaging', does this work?"

User: "What? That doesn't happen."

Technician: "Do you get the start screen?"

User: "What's a start screen? Is that the start menu? I see the start menu."

Technician: "Are you using Windows 8?"

User: "Yes."

Technician: "Have you disabled metro?"

User: "What's a metro? Is it that thing my brother turned off when he set up my computer because he said it sucks?"

[Dot Matrix]

+DigitalFox, What exactly do you think Windows 9, 10, 11.... etc will look like? Metro isn't going away whether you and others hate it or not. If you don't want it, now is the time to jump ship. But, it won't be long before other desktop OSs do much in the same.

Metro is the way forward for Microsft at this point. It's NOT going to magically just disappear for the next Windows release. But why should it? Computers are evolving, and it's time we had an OS that can evolve with it and fit to many form factors without breaking compatibility with eachother or the need to maintain multiple operating systems.

Also because Microsoft doesn't want support calls going like this:

Technician: "Okay now press the lower left corner of the screen to open the start screen and click 'Messaging', does this work?"

User: "What? That doesn't happen."

Technician: "Do you get the start screen?"

User: "What's a start screen? Is that the start menu? I see the start menu."

Technician: "Are you using Windows 8?"

User: "Yes."

Technician: "Have you disabled metro?"

User: "What's a metro? Is it that thing my brother turned off when he set up my computer because he said it sucks?"

I've seen this exact conversation before, except replace "Metro" with "Vista Style Start Menu", "AERO Glass", "UAC", "Windows 7 Superbar"...

[Aergan]

I've been using Windows 8 Consumer Preview since the release, I am quite happy to live without the Start Menu as I either use the Start Screen or WIN+R.

That being said, I bought a Microsoft Desktop 600 KB + Mouse set the other day for the brother-in-law.

I saw on the back "Windows Logo Key - Access the Windows Start Menu to unlock your Windows 7 desktop experience". I did have a "trollolol" moment at reading that.

[Digitalfox]

Also because Microsoft doesn't want support calls going like this:

Technician: "Okay now press the lower left corner of the screen to open the start screen and click 'Messaging', does this work?"

User: "What? That doesn't happen."

Technician: "Do you get the start screen?"

User: "What's a start screen? Is that the start menu? I see the start menu."

Technician: "Are you using Windows 8?"

User: "Yes."

Technician: "Have you disabled metro?"

User: "What's a metro? Is it that thing my brother turned off when he set up my computer because he said it sucks?"

If that would be the only problem remote support would have they would be the happiest guys on a job... :laugh:

+DigitalFox, What exactly do you think Windows 9, 10, 11.... etc will look like? Metro isn't going away whether you hate it or not. If you don't want it, now is the time to jump ship.

Metro is the way forward for Microsft at this point. It's NOT going to magically just disappear for the next Windows release. But why should it? Computers are evolving, and it's time we had an OS that can evolve with it and fit to many form factors without breaking compatibility with eachother or the need to maintain multiple operating systems.

Ah my first Metro fish catch...

Read carefully my Metro fish friend, who said I want it to go away for you?

Who said I didn't understand that many people will find more easy to work with?

Didn't I gave my mother and father example?

No one is saying Metro should die, but let it be there to everyone who want's it and give the other users an option to not use it on Desktop's/Notebook's and Netbooks...

[Dot Matrix]

No one is saying Metro should die, but let it be there to everyone who want's it and give the other users an option to not use it on Desktop's/Notebook's and Netbooks...

But that would be counter-productive for Microsoft who is trying to kickstart a new generation of computing. How can they induce change when everyone is just going to run away from it?

What does this new start screen do that the old one didn't? If anything users should be joyous over it - it offers better customization and better layout options than the start menu ever could.

[Digitalfox]

How can they induce change when everyone is just going to run away from it?

Wouldn't that mean if and if that happen (of course it wouldn't, there's always those who love changes, and I have no problem admitting many users do love metro), that Microsoft is heading to the wrong road, shouldn't it always be a better experience than in the past for as many as possible users?

[Stoffel]

I think If MS would give us the option, it would be turned off by default by a lot of the people on this site installing peoples computers, just because they don't like it.

Most people have a friend or family member that installs their pc's. So all those would be missing out on Metro and I think MS wants to avoid that.

[MorganX]

+DigitalFox, What exactly do you think Windows 9, 10, 11.... etc will look like? Metro isn't going away whether you and others hate it or not. If you don't want it, now is the time to jump ship. But, it won't be long before other desktop OSs do much in the same.

Metro is the way forward for Microsft at this point. It's NOT going to magically just disappear for the next Windows release. But why should it? Computers are evolving, and it's time we had an OS that can evolve with it and fit to many form factors without breaking compatibility with eachother or the need to maintain multiple operating systems.

I've seen this exact conversation before, except replace "Metro" with "Vista Style Start Menu", "AERO Glass", "UAC", "Windows 7 Superbar"...

FWIW, Vista and UAC (as implemented in Vista) basically went away due to customer rejection.

Metro will be great on tablets. It's actually superior to the desktop implementation. No hot corners, only charm bar w/thumb swipe. Really nice. Metro on the desktop will evolve or become optional by demand. I don't know that it needs to go away, being optional would be fine. I personally would like it to be a HUD superimposed over the desktp as opposed to removing the desktop. The App bar is horrendous though, as is the context sensitive menu at bottom of screen. Terrible UI design on desktop.

[Digitalfox]

I think If MS would give us the option, it would be turned off by default by a lot of the people on this site installing peoples computers, just because they don't like it.

Most people have a friend or family member that installs their pc's. So all those would be missing out on Metro and I think MS wants to avoid that.

I understand what your trying to say, but choice is important, it's Microsoft job to do a good job making sure people like the new Metro and want to use it.

[Stoffel]

Wouldn't that mean if and if that happen (of course it wouldn't, there's always those who love changes, and I have no problem admitting many users do love metro), that Microsoft is heading to the wrong road, shouldn't it always be a better experience than in the past for as many as possible users?

I think you just answered your own question. I do believe that METRO will be a better experience for most people.

The only people complaining are the ones who can't live with the fact that the start menu is now a full screen, because for them it's distracting.

Sadly enough it's a very loud minority I feel.

[Dot Matrix]

Wouldn't that mean if and if that happen (of course it wouldn't, there's always those who love changes, and I have no problem admitting many users do love metro), that Microsoft is heading to the wrong road, shouldn't it always be a better experience than in the past for as many as possible users?

Not always. People HATE change. Techies especially hate to learn new ways of doing things, Muscle memory is a bitch, but change comes whether you want it or not.... Markets come and go, and those who cannot change, die. The market for desktops just isn't what it used to be, they're not going away, but they're not as prevalent as they once were. What is happening though, is that they're evolving alongside the mobile market. It becomes cumbersome to continually develop two different things, so why not just combine the two? Develop the OS to fit both desktops and tablets, and give users the best of both worlds? Microsoft is both broadening their presence in the mobile market, while giving their desktop users the opportunity to cash in on it as well. This also opens up the market for transformers, which is where I think the computing market is headed.

The second thing to realize here is that, when Windows 95 was developed, The mouse ruled over the landscape. If you didn't have one, you didn't use your computer. Period. Today we have all sorts of input devices, the top two new comers being touch and motion. The Windows 95 paradigm can't really handle these inputs too well, but the Metro style UI can.

[Digitalfox]

FWIW, Vista and UAC (as implemented in Vista) basically went away due to customer rejection.

Metro will be great on tablets. It's actually superior to the desktop implementation. No hot corners, only charm bar w/thumb swipe. Really nice.

I agree, Metro is great for tablets and Phones, and when using a Desktop with touch I can see it also being better than what Windows 7 gives to Touch users.

Look, bottom line, I don't hate Metro, I also don't have anything against people using it, look it serves your needs? Great :)

[Melfster]

What I have found people are very change adverse. Especially as people get older. I still think people don't get what metro is and what its future holds and where microsoft is going with metro. From your post I think your one of those people. There is going to be some challenges especially UI will give power users and even casual useres fits. Its much bigger change then going from OS X to iOS device. I think hardware for windows are to through changes and computing devices may not resemble what have today. Think of this as OS X 1.0. It was stinking pile **** for users ...As it developed it became good for users.

[Digitalfox]

I think you just answered your own question. I do believe that METRO will be a better experience for most people.

The only people complaining are the ones who can't live with the fact that the start menu is now a full screen, because for them it's distracting.

Sadly enough it's a very loud minority I feel.

And I disagree, not because I'm a supreme god who knows everything, but because this exactly what happen with V?sta.

People hated Vista not only because of drivers and app compatibility, but also because of UAC, and what did Microsoft do?

With Windows 7 you now have 4 options to personalize UAC. Meaning you can almost run Windows 7 like Windows XP.

Would you recommend Windows XP to those who disable UAC?

[farmeunit]

The second thing to realize here is that, when Windows 95 was developed, The mouse ruled over the landscape. If you didn't have one, you didn't use your computer. Period. Today we have all sorts of input devices, the top two new comers being touch and motion. The Windows 95 paradigm can't really handle these inputs too well, but the Metro style UI can.

That's the point everyone is trying to make for the desktop. Very few use touch, and I don't know any that pick up their monitors to get work done . . .

[Dot Matrix]

Very few use touch, and I don't know any that pick up their monitors to get work done . . .

Very few? Touch is all around you.... POS terminals, ATM Machines, Tablets, Kiosks, etc....