Metro+ for Windows 8

[link6155]

Hey fellow Neowin members,

I'm currently making a new VS for Windows 8 called Metro+. The idea of this theme is to combine the Aero and Metro UI together in a way that is simple, but not too simple. Take a look for yourself:

One of the first thing you'll probably notice is that the window is transparent, however there is no blur. (The image is an animated PNG image, use a browser that supports APNG to see a better preview)

There will also be an IE-Esque subtheme included once released

Wallpapers are made by bo0xvn

I hope to have this theme released by the end of this year. If you think the transparency is a hoax, check this video out (shows an older version of the theme):

http://youtu.be/PWj74nRua9A

Feedback would be nice :)

More info and developement here: http://link6155.devi...Metro-335834397

[+Warwagon MVC]

Ah yes, another person who types in Nopepad but doesn't speak. All that video was missing was some really bad loud music. :yes:

[Brandon H Supervisor]

I personally don't like the look of the address bar and search bar connected

[Panda X]

The back button in IE is way, way, way too large compared to the forward button.

[LAMj]

So it's just the default vs with more pronounced borders, looks ok. I would stick with the default theme though.

[link6155]

So it's just the default vs with more pronounced borders, looks ok. I would stick with the default theme though.

No, the default theme is nontransparent and is very different. The location bar icons are the same, however, the other buttons and borders are completely made from scratch. Here's a comparison:

The default window style (with ribbon disabled)

As you can see, there is a clear blue border around and the icons are monotone

Here's Metro+:

The whole top part of explorer is transparent. The back/forward button active state is blue. Also, the Location and Search bar are unified.

The back button in IE is way, way, way too large compared to the forward button.

I think you're right there, I'll make the button a bit smaller :)

[argonite]

Ah yes, with this theme people are going to learn very quickly why Microsoft never wanted full transparency on their windows (see: Windows Vista maximized opaque title bar, Windows 7 blurring of window background, Windows 8 transparency removed).

Hint: Seeing the window content behind, in as full clarity as the current window, is really distracting!

[Tech Star]

LOVE IT. Can't wait for this to release. :D Keep up the good work!

[link6155]

Ah yes, with this theme people are going to learn very quickly why Microsoft never wanted full transparency on their windows (see: Windows Vista maximized opaque title bar, Windows 7 blurring of window background, Windows 8 transparency removed).

Hint: Seeing the window content behind, in as full clarity as the current window, is really distracting!

Well, I could not find a way to have the blur effect. As an alternative however, the window coloring should improve readability/focus. It's a problem that I am currently trying to resolve.

[Andre S. Veteran]

The transparency is nice, but I don't like the unification of the search and location fields. I hope you release both separately or at least make the components optional during installation.

[Tihiy]

It would be nice if you update your theme with start menu skin for StartIsBack. I give themers license keys for free, just ask me via email.

[Guest]

Not sure if it would end up as a total confusing mess with the transparency, yet no blur when loads of windows are open, it does look nice though. I'd personally make the borders a little softer, soften the shadow and kill the reflection though.

[Seahorsepip Veteran]

How did you get transparancy O.o

I'd pay for knowing it :p

Because this means I can make 0px borders (atleast I think so) :p

[Detection]

Like it, it looks nice and clean

How did you get transparancy O.o

I'd pay for knowing it :p

Because this means I can make 0px borders (atleast I think so) :p

?100 please ;)

http://www.askvg.com/hidden-secret-trick-to-enable-activate-aero-glass-in-windows-8-aero-lite-theme

[Seahorsepip Veteran]

Like it, it looks nice and clean

?100 please ;)

http://www.askvg.com...aero-lite-theme

That trick doesn't work in RTM and the other trick with high contrast is very buggy compared to this...

[Detection]

That trick doesn't work in RTM and the other trick with high contrast is very buggy compared to this...

Ah, I'm fairly sure I read a few posts on MDL explaining how to get transparency back in the RTM, I`ll link to it if I come across it again

EDIT - Found it but looks like the guy used build 8888 not RTM but might still work as 8888 was going to be RTM afaik before a last minute bug was found

http://forums.mydigi...ro-Source-Codes

[Seahorsepip Veteran]

Ah, I'm fairly sure I read a few posts on MDL explaining how to get transparency back in the RTM, I`ll link to it if I come across it again

EDIT - Found it but looks like the guy used build 8888 not RTM but might still work as 8888 was going to be RTM afaik before a last minute bug was found

http://forums.mydigi...ro-Source-Codes

Nope that's with a system files hack...

This way above is just a msstyles, I'm quite sure about that :p

[Detection]

Nope that's with a system files hack... This way above is just a msstyles, I'm quite sure about that :p

I'd think it would have to be a system files hack if MS removed it from 8 RTM

But saying that, the taskbar is still transparent so it must be partially there