|
I've been using the phone for about a year now, and I think the UI works great there. I also was lucky enough to get one of the tablets they handed out at Build. I've used that as both a tablet and a more traditional desktop. I think the Metro UI works in both scenarios, but the traditional desktop sucked as a tablet. It was also kind of hard to judge because there are no compelling apps for the Metro side yet. Maybe when the app store goes beta? I would imagine a few good Metro apps and I'd like the interface even more.
|
|
|
|
|
It's been my understanding that the traditional interface (ie. regular Start button access and same ol' desktop) is not only still available in Win8, but the default for normal desktops. The metro UI is targeted specifically for mobile/touch devices (ie. primarily phones and tablets). Based on that premise some of the comments, such as those regarding the ergonomics, will not apply. On the other hand, if what I've read is wrong and they go with metro as standard everywhere, I think that'd be horrible for all of the same reasons mentioned by others.
In terms of "over-simplified" simplicity of the interface, I agree that I had the same initial gut response - OS for kiddies. However, if you've used it I think you'll see the benefits. The tile concept provides clearly defined borders that icons do not; this becomes more important when you consider a broader touch vs mouse click and the concept of live tiles. The reality is that some apps are used more frequently than others - giving those larger tiles for emphasis and additional information (via live tiles) makes sense.
That being said, I think there's still a way to go - this interface has to improve (just as Win7's Start Menu and Taskbar are significantly improved over the original Win95). The tiles need to be more customizable - the user should be allowed to select the tile size rather than it being defined by someone at MS (maybe you can do that now on Win8, but can't on WP7). I also believe some grouping or tagging system would help better define and improve the navigation of both the start menu and subsequent app listings.
That's my 2c.
|
|
|
|
|
Coudn't agree more. There sure is tons of space for improvment.
But it's a start. And a good one IMO.
Regarding desktop I also know that the default will be the standard desktop.
For a workstaion, I don't see much point in using the Metro. Metro si for mobile and quick grasps at things that matters.
For a bussiness I see a lot of potential in the Metro tablets for managers and the likes.
Also lot of new work and "streams of income" as POH said.
All the best,
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
Since metro style is the style mobile applications use and has been widely accepted by consumers, Windows 8 just goes with the trends. Therefore, it is not a question of liking it or not but doing development with it.
TOMZ_KV
|
|
|
|
|
Exactly. But if we(developers) don't like, we don't write apps for it.
So being a dev site and even more a MS centric site, liking it means developing for it.
All the best,
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
I don't get all the comments about the Metro UI being for primates or illiterate people.
It's a great interface for touch devices and for the purpose it was designed, much better than the cluttered UIs of iPhone and Android.
And on windows 8, you still get the classic desktop, so what's all the fuss about????
So, no, it's not just you.. 
|
|
|
|
|
The possible causes for the fuzz IMO, are:
1) They really don't like it.
2) They wanna look cool/superior and what better way then bashing an MS product.
All the best,
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
Well
1) If they don't like it, it's enough to simply say "I don't like it" and perhaps give intelligent explanations why they think it's not good.
2) By just bashing a MS product you don't end up looking superior, you end up looking like a not so smart fan boy. but shhh.. they don't know that..
Anyways, I guess the market will tell if the MS move is correct. Personally I like Metro, but whether it's great I will know for sure only when I will use it every day.
|
|
|
|
|
I love it on my WinPhone, it may be adequate for a WinPad, but unless I get a touchscreen desktop monitor...no.
And even if I had a desktop touchscreen, I'd fear getting "gorilla arm" from having to reach and touch it to do anything.
Psychosis at 10
Film at 11
Those who do not remember the past, are doomed to repeat it.
Those who do not remember the past, cannot build upon it.
|
|
|
|
|
I don't care for Metro, myself. I was a Windows Phone user until I saw Metro coming and decided it was time to go iOS for my phones. I haven't regretted that choice.
As for my desktop/development systems? Not interested.
If I ever decide to buy a tablet it will NOT be a Metro one.
-Max
|
|
|
|
|
Probably is just you, comparing the two pictures Metro Is hideous enough to make Mountain Lion look great. What am I saying I detest anything Apple but at least it looks like you might get some work done with it apart from Twitter and Facebook I hate them too!
O.K. Rant over must have a cup of tea and calm down.
|
|
|
|
|
Like it or not, contrary to many pundits, Windows 8 is going to be BIG. At least on smart phones (Windows Phone 7.5 Metro is way smooth to use) and tablets. And on the desktop, but not in Metro mode. Why? Microsoft's ace in the hole is the billion plus PCs out there. Metro devices will sync well with the desktop and the cloud. Drop your small tablet in your pocket and you are out the door with your contacts, email, music, slide show, what have you. Oh, and you can make calls too. Wifi Skype? Coming soon I'll wager...
|
|
|
|
|
Metro UI seems like a big step back to me. Square corners, bland colors, and no shadows or 3D. It's not the UI I have come to expect and appreciate. What is the point of having big bright beautiful displays with high resolution if the UI looks like Metro? It feels like something that would have existed in the late '80s.
I haven't used it yet so maybe I will feel differently after using it, but I can't say that I am excited about the prospect of using it.
|
|
|
|
|
Yes, I do like the meto look. I have a WP7 and the UI just seems to work very well. Its simple and very easy to follow. Will Win8 have live titles like WP7?
|
|
|
|
|
More then sure. Even the developer preview has them.
Anyway I'm not the person to ask such "official" questions cause I'm not working at/for MS nor do I have
a friend that does work at/for MS.
All the best,
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
I don't personally like it because it seems like the interface is going to slow me down, but it is nice to see Microsoft doing something pretty different other than copying Apple for once.
|
|
|
|
|
You won't be developing in Metro nor Excellying/OfficingMDL around.
You'll still use desktop for those "apps".
All the best,
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
I don't care one way or the other about the Metro UI. I tend to take jobs at .NET shops because they're willing to hire me. I'll probably use Metro when I take a contract at a shop which has standardized on Windows 8.
When posting here, I do not represent anybody but myself.
|
|
|
|
|
Having used the Zune and then Windows Phone 7 Metro interfaces, and now the Windows [8] Developer Preview since September, I like it a lot.
Yeah, I'm biased, but I have also used a Mac OSX for quite a while and found it quite lacking. My Kindle Fire interaction isn't very good either. I much prefer reading email on my WP7 phone than on the Kindle Fire apps.
/* Charles Oppermann */
http://weblogs.asp.net/chuckop
|
|
|
|
|
MDL=>Moshu wrote: With apple it just seems like nothing new. Sure some new apps, security ... but overall nothing new/big.
Isn't that the way Microsoft works? Head in one direction, see what apple is doing, hire former apple employees, do an about-face on their design, get sued, win because they just did something thats intuitively obvious...
|
|
|
|
|
Or are we going to fight back with our Geek-Foo ?
Link to 48k .png file (24 bit, no transparency), created in PhotoShop 5.5 CS, in about thirty minutes[^].
In answer to your comment (which my psychic powers tell me is forthcoming): "don't quit your day job." My reply is: I do not have a job to quit
best, Bill
"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool." Richard Feynman
|
|
|
|
|
Nice Bill, better than the circa early 1980's that is being foisted by the Post Willy Gates MS Design Dept.
---------------------------------
I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave
CCC Link[ ^]
English League Tables - Live
|
|
|
|
|
Needs more Möbius strip.
BillWoodruff wrote: I do not have a job to quit
Retired? You may want to help out another retiree and Photoshop Henry's profile photo so he looks a little slimmer.
|
|
|
|
|
AspDotNetDev wrote: Retired? You may want to help out another retiree and Photoshop Henry's profile photo so he looks a little slimmer.
So Henry's the Elephant I been referring too so much lately.
Michael Martin
Australia
"I controlled my laughter and simple said "No,I am very busy,so I can't write any code for you". The moment they heard this all the smiling face turned into a sad looking face and one of them farted. So I had to leave the place as soon as possible."
- Mr.Prakash One Fine Saturday. 24/04/2004
|
|
|
|