For those who may be unaware, Windows *Blue* is the codename for the next upcoming iteration of Windows 8, expected to be released for initial ‘Public Preview’ toward the end of June. Earlier reports, based on the leaked build, suggested that the changes and enhancements expected in Windows Blue would be of a superficial nature, mainly based around the Start Screen, Modern apps, and visuals. However, rumors are now circulating that Microsoft may be contemplating two critical changes which would obviously be aimed at appeasing dedicated desktop users.
- *Boot to Desktop: Apparently, researchers have come across a tiny piece of code which suggests that Microsoft may be looking at introducing an option to bypass the Start Screen and boot direct to the Desktop. In my opinion this seems quite likely. It would be very easy to implement and would go at least some way toward placating desktop users.
- *Return of the traditional Start Button: Personally, I believe this one is unlikely. Firstly, this is mere conjecture based on information allegedly derived from one of those infamous ‘anonymous sources’. Secondly, unlike Boot to Desktop, the return of the Start Button would not be an easy thing to implement. Finally, considering Microsoft’s obvious ‘new’ direction, I’m pretty sure they’d look upon returning the Start Button as being a decidedly retrogressive step.
One important aspect to keep in mind regarding all these reports; they are mostly based on rumor and conjecture. Nothing is set in concrete and nothing will be until the final release. Even features which may or may not appear in earlier builds are subject to change. It is however all very interesting… well, it is to me anyway. 🙂
I don’t really see the logic for saying that restoring the start button to the desktop would be a big job. There are quite small third party utilities which can do this already so cannot see why this would be a big step. It would only need to be restored in desktop not in the modern UI and IF they are going to restore the start in desktop mode, it would seem illogical to do only half the job.
Long term it should be the market rather than Windows that determines which UI eventually rules and if they had allowed that choice in the first instance they could have had a runaway success with Windows 8 and may even have sold more tablets as well. (I say that because some people might have tried the modern UI (what was wrong with the word Metro I don’t know) as part of their tablet selection process.
I don’t think all is lost for them if they were to introduce this soon and provide it as an update for current windows 8 users they could still score a “we have listened to our users” victory. I don’t think anyone needs to have Modern UI removed because I am sure it is the pre-cursor of the future and we all like playing with the future. Children coming to computers for the first time will find it much easier to use than the normal desktop and they are the future adult users