Microsoft employee explains decision to scrap the Start button

[ET3D]

If this is true, it's really the stupidest reasoning ever. Instead of looking at what users switched to (the task bar) and building it further, they decided to revamp the old feature. What next? "Clippy isn't used as much as it used to; we must create a new, better Clippy."

 

[danhodge]

Microsoft have just said they think tablets will overtake desktop PC's next year - and they are attempting to be at the front of that (alongside Apple of course). This quote is merely their attempt to keep their PC market intact too.

 

[Teko03]

Windows 8 will be fine, it's just another learning curve (just like Office 2007-2010 & Vista - Windows 7), shocker at first but you'll grow to love it. Windows 9 will most likely be the same basic OS as Windows 8, but MS will continue to collect user experience data and improve. I'll be buying Windows 8 for at least one of my systems (Productivity Desktop, Laptop or HTPC --- leaning towards the HTPC)

 

[Guest]

More people are pinning programs to the task bar and their solution is to make the start menu cover the entire screen... uhm WHAT!? The telemetry data clearly shows that users want less intrusive screens popping up since they are avoiding a small menu in favour of a thin taskbar.

To me it looks like they wanted to merge mobile and desktop operating systems and went out to look for justification.

 

[oldikes]

It would just make me happy if they gave a scale button for metro...stay at my desktop and have metro take up a quarter of the screen.

 

[lawfer]

"highlighting the option to search for applications simply by starting to type its name"; This function was also provided by the start menu.

They replaced the start menu which did not hinder your multitasking with a start screen that blocks your entire screen preventing you from multitasking. Any one that argues you can't multitask because your eyes can only focus on one thing, needs to step away from the computer and go play with some wooden blocks.

I'm not necessarily for or against Metro (I guess I lean more toward the former because I don't use the Start menu and I think Metro is a valid implementation for touch devices), but saying it hinders multitasking hasn't been my experience.

The Start menu provides a pretty one-dimensional, partially redundant functionality. You can open it and search for programs by typing or access one of the immediate shortcuts that are likely on your taskbar anyway -- at least that's the case for me.

Metro requires the same amount of actions to access and search for programs, so that functionality is unchanged. However, you can configure the Metro screen to host live tiles that are relevant to you. Not only does this provide one-click access to a screen of information you care about (at least in theory), it can quickly supply this information in passing. What I mean is, you open Metro to access your email or search for a program and you're instantly updated on a dozen other things without doing anything extra.

That doesn't sound like it's hindering multitasking. What's more, if you're truly concerned about productivity, you likely have multiple displays that will remain visible while Metro is open. All of my communication-oriented applications are on a secondary display (Steam, Pidgin, Post Box etc.) so it's not like Metro prevents me from seeing a new message. I don't think this would be the case even with a single display, because you're only accessing Metro very briefly on a desktop, not using it as your primary interface.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. There is definitely a learning curve though, and I understand the skepticism from people, but after getting used to it, it really is equal and/or superior to the Start button.

Which is funny, too, because the Start Screen fiasco has done nothing but detract focus from the real issue with Windows 8: mouse and keyboard navigation for multitasking.

 

[Guest]

So according to MS's logic, the power button is not used as much anymore as more ppl are using sleep mode or hibernate. That leaves MS with the decision to scrap the option to turn the power off and replace that option with a full screen mode window that lets you buy an application to hibernate or place the PC into sleep mode.

Oh and because the applications are purchasable via the funky full screen window they are naturally better, because as a "Mobile device user" you need to empower yourself by buying everyday functionality that other Operating systems support out of the box.

This way fan boys can endow them self with slobbering salivating satisfaction that only they have this unique functionality because keeping up with the Jone's mentality is rampant with this crowd.

The iSheep and other lemmings from mobile devices are coming to a Windows near you, beware!

 

[treetops]

why not keep the start button? its a handy time tested interface for your applications, the start button is a small part of your screen I would rather have it then any icon that would fill its tiny space

 

[sapo joe]

I use the Start menu all the time, when I have maximized windows and so... The big problem is, they could just leave the option to use the old style start, no having to scrap it completely. I have a good computer, but there are things I don't use, like Aero. (I downloaded a darker basic theme and am using it, because Aero steals performance from my games).

The idea of customizable OS is dying with this Windows 8. The good part is Windows 7 is still great, and I can stick with it for years to come, just like some people are still using XP (another great OS) or even Vista.

 

[amwdrizz]

I am meh over the start menu. I've long stopped using it as my main stay go to for program management. Honestly, I don't even use the taskbar at all. In fact I had to get two programs just to get rid of taskbar and start orb (both are persistent!).

For the past 6months I've switched over to a very minimalistic interface using RainMeter and RocketDock. I've become more productive due to it, I may upgrade to Windows 8 but I know that these customizations will be the second thing to go in. And the removal of metro anything will be the first thing done.

If Microsoft looked at my usage for the past 6 months they would see "Accessed Start menu 1-2 times per month, Accessed Taskbar not even once a month." I don't even point and click for when I do access the start menu, far simpler to hit WinKey since my hands are already on the keyboard.

And for clarification, yes it took me all of 2 hours to get used to this new setup. Much more spacious, also I've come to the point of despising desktop icons so those are gone as well. In addition, for those of you curious on what it looks like you can see for your self at dl.dropbox.com/u/17772947/screencaps/Desktop_ScreenShots/desktop_5-23.jpg

 

[ig-88]

I don't want to type on the keyboard to find my application....too much of a hassle...
'point and click' is still the easiest way ....

I understand your frustration my child. It probably hurts your brain too much to try and figure out the complicated start menu. That's why Apple made this thing called an iPad for you. Go buy one and free yourself from the mental anguish that is 'Windows 7'. God Bless you my child!

 

[ig-88]

I am meh over the start menu. I've long stopped using it as my main stay go to for program management. Honestly, I don't even use the taskbar at all. In fact I had to get two programs just to get rid of taskbar and start orb (both are persistent!).

For the past 6months I've switched over to a very minimalistic interface using RainMeter and RocketDock. I've become more productive due to it, I may upgrade to Windows 8 but I know that these customizations will be the second thing to go in. And the removal of metro anything will be the first thing done.

If Microsoft looked at my usage for the past 6 months they would see "Accessed Start menu 1-2 times per month, Accessed Taskbar not even once a month." I don't even point and click for when I do access the start menu, far simpler to hit WinKey since my hands are already on the keyboard.

And for clarification, yes it took me all of 2 hours to get used to this new setup. Much more spacious, also I've come to the point of despising desktop icons so those are gone as well. In addition, for those of you curious on what it looks like you can see for your self at dl.dropbox.com/u/17772947/screencaps/Desktop_ScreenShots/desktop_5-23.jpg

Your a perfect candidate for a tablet. Sell your desktop and go buy an iPad and you can live happily ever after.

 

[Upio]

Can't believe they nerfed the start button! ****ing Blizzard ...

 

[Technochicken]

I use the start button all the time. I've never liked pinning things to the task bar, because I like it to have as much available space as possible, so it's less cluttered when I have a lot running.

 

[learninmypc]

IF all people want to do is complain about Microsoft, don't forget you can go to another OS.
I'm grateful to just have a pc. I personally started with ME & then XP home & Pro & now XP MCE. ALL 2nd hand
from a trusted friend who started with a home built 95 which I did use.

 

[ebriatic]

No, people not using Start menu, it's just me, right?
http://I.imgur.com/Q2eEm.png

 

[Guest]

... M$ doesn't ask users what they want, they tell users what they need ...

Who do they think they are? Apple?

 

[BuddyThirteen]

Whoa so let me get this straight they say a drop in usage... so that means they are secretly gathering information about us and all without us knowing.... that's what it sounds like I mean how else can they find out a drop in usage lol

It'd not "secret" at all, doofus. It tells you on the very first day you use Windows, and you can say yes or no. If you said yes, then it's not a secret. If you said no, then usage data wasn't sent. And "lol" isn't a period.

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

...You guys do realize you can still pin programs to the Metro screen, right? Besides the live tiles, you can place shortcuts to whatever applications you want. Functionality speaking, that hasn't really changed at all: you press one button to get to Metro (just as you would for Start), you click a shortcut and the application launches (Windows switches to the desktop interface automatically). I feel like some kind of Metro apologist here, but many people aren't seeing this rationally.

Frankly, I think there are far more valid complaints about the Charms bar, which doesn't open precisely with a mouse (though I hear this is being improved) and doesn't show me anything worthwhile. I can already see the damn time, I can access Metro faster going directly there, while the Devices and Settings sections seem equally pointless (changing power states is easier with ALT+F4 or an AHK script and I'd never go through Charms to reach things like the Control Panel).

 

[dennis777]

no start button.. its like apple not making a right click button on mouse...
how about the wallpaper? I dont want to see big square icons all the time. T_T

 

[readypembroke]

Everyone would go crazy and angry at Microsoft if they disabled the Windows Start button and the good GUI that we have right now. I am just happy how Windows 7 is. They don't need to make a new OS, they can just do a patch or two. I totally like XP over 7 but 7 gets more upgrades.

 

[GunsAblazin]

This new start screen is just a touch screen OS on top of the real OS. The geniuses (*****s) at Microsoft did it again. They should have just made it separately for tablets.

 

[amwdrizz]

Your a perfect candidate for a tablet. Sell your desktop and go buy an iPad and you can live happily ever after.

Too bad you can't code on a tablet with ease, or switch between multiple VMs. Or have more than one monitor that doesn't require hacks.

My desktop is obscured most of the time as it is, I felt it was time to just do away with the items on the desktop and in areas I don't use. RocketDock handles running programs and programs I use constantly, and Rainmeter for the most part is just ascetics.

As soon as they build a tablet that can match my desktop in terms of raw power and capability I'll consider it. But for now, I'd rather keep my desktop.

 

[DanUK]

"highlighting the option to search for applications simply by starting to type its name"; This function was also provided by the start menu.

They replaced the start menu which did not hinder your multitasking with a start screen that blocks your entire screen preventing you from multitasking. Any one that argues you can't multitask because your eyes can only focus on one thing, needs to step away from the computer and go play with some wooden blocks.

I'm not necessarily for or against Metro (I guess I lean more toward the former because I don't use the Start menu and I think Metro is a valid implementation for touch devices), but saying it hinders multitasking hasn't been my experience.

The Start menu provides a pretty one-dimensional, partially redundant functionality. You can open it and search for programs by typing or access one of the immediate shortcuts that are likely on your taskbar anyway -- at least that's the case for me.

Metro requires the same amount of actions to access and search for programs, so that functionality is unchanged. However, you can configure the Metro screen to host live tiles that are relevant to you. Not only does this provide one-click access to a screen of information you care about (at least in theory), it can quickly supply this information in passing. What I mean is, you open Metro to access your email or search for a program and you're instantly updated on a dozen other things without doing anything extra.

That doesn't sound like it's hindering multitasking. What's more, if you're truly concerned about productivity, you likely have multiple displays that will remain visible while Metro is open. All of my communication-oriented applications are on a secondary display (Steam, Pidgin, Post Box etc.) so it's not like Metro prevents me from seeing a new message. I don't think this would be the case even with a single display, because you're only accessing Metro very briefly on a desktop, not using it as your primary interface.

I haven't tried any of windows 8 at all yet, but well put to counter the criticism, I was getting a bit worried about another vista fiasco for a second there. I guess we don't know until release, but for me it will be nice to try something new and if I dont like it then I'll always still have my Win7 instal..

 

[Benny26]

I use the start button all the time. I've never liked pinning things to the task bar, because I like it to have as much available space as possible, so it's less cluttered when I have a lot running.

This is the same reason I also like the start button.

Not everybody likes minor programs that are frequently used to be on the taskbar, like the calculator for example. With proper configuring the start button can work magic for quick access to all those little things that get used often, and all the while keeping the taskbar from looking a complete mess with stuff.

Microsoft's reasoning is quite shallow from where I'm looking also; removing something because they 'think' it's not as used anymore just sounds like an bad excuse. I firmly believe Win 8's going to flop desktop wise for more reasons than just this start button fiasco.