New Start8 beta for Windows 8 released

[DKT27]

A few days after Microsoft launched the Consumer Preview build of Windows 8, developer Stardock launched the first beta of Start8, which aimed to give a version of the familiar Start menu to Windows 8 Metro owners. Today, Stardock has released a new and free beta of Start8 that adds quite a few new features.

While previous versions of the Start8 beta only put in a start button that opened up the "Modern" user interface for Windows 8, this new version has a number of new features, including:

• Windows 7 style Start menu with Windows 8 enhancements
  • Users can search for Windows 8-style (Metro) apps with it
  • Users can pin Metro apps to it
  • Full support for Jump Lists
  • Unified Search
  • Automatically matches color to the color of the taskbar
• Start button is now skinnable
• Users can boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop
• Optionally disable the desktop “hot spots”.
• Fast access to shut down, devices, music, documents, videos
• Supports WindowFX 5.1 startmenu animations (currently in beta)
• The Windows 8 Start screen becomes accessible from the Start menu
• Start menu size fully configurable
• Adds option for WinKey to show fullscreen Metro desktop.

You can check out a video showing off how the new version of Start8 works below. It will work with both the preview and final versions of Windows 8.

View: Original Article

Windows 8 anyone? :w00t:

[nuthut]

has stardock learned how to quit being a resource hog? That was the main reason why I stopped using it ages ago. It had a really cool OSX clone dock that I loved but it ate so much resources it wasn't funny

[Sonar]

as soon as i grab an english copy of windows 8 *stable* let the testing begin :D

[visualbuffs]

download link

http://stardock.cachefly.net/Start8_setup.exe

[DKT27]

I'm going to try this in VM soon (later today or tomorrow) and if it passes the tests. Than going to strongly consider Windows 8. :)

Seriously, the Start Screen is the biggest hurdle in Windows 8. After trying it again and again, for like 10 times, I still don't like it nor get the usefulness of it. If Start8 can do it's job, then it's one item checked that needs fixing in Windows 8.

[Clusterphuck]

Actually, this works out as a better solution than Classic Shell currently. Hopefully Stardock adds some additional features and customization that the old start menu has available. Especially "Number of recent programs to display" and "Number of recent items to display in Jump Lists" and the "Use large icons" toggle.

However, it looks like Stardock will make Start8 a program you have to pay for soon according to the wording on the site.

[DKT27]

However, it looks like Stardock will make Start8 a program you have to pay for soon according to the wording on the site.

That's sad, but seems true:

Start8 brings the "Start" menu back to Windows 8. You can try the Start8 BETA for free by clicking the "Download" button below.

----------------------------------------------

EDIT: Old interview on NeoWin:

Will anyone still be able to download and/or purchase the final version of Start8 when it is officially launched?

Oh yea. Start8 is going to be freeware still for non-commercial use.

http://www.neowin.net/news/interview-stardocks-ceo-gives-an-update-on-start8

Now lets wait if they keep their words. :D

[Clusterphuck]

Stardock keep their word?!? Say it isn't so! :D

I have a feeling though after the current Start8 beta expires in October that they'll roll out the pay version of Start8. If so, there's always Classic Shell for those whom don't want to pay! Personally, I'd buy Start8 if like I said they ported all Customize Start Menu features over that's currently available in Windows 7.

[0veR]

No thanks! I'm happy with Windows 7 :)

[demoneye]

No thanks! I'm happy with Windows 7 :)

same here :D

[new_age_messiah]

Tested and its very good,but have some bugs on startup to desktop.

[Miroglu]

Good thanks

[calguyhunk]

Haven't tested this one, but most personalization programs are major resource hogs and annoyingly buggy without exception. And stardock is the absolute worst :mad2:

But Win8 seems unusable without a starter that we've gotten so used to over the past 17 or so years. :angry:

Really, I have 4 major gripes with Win8. Start Button, Aero, constant net access & full screen apps on Metro Modern UI.

[House_maniac]

i've unistalled classic shell and installed this i must say i'm impressed you feel like you are using windows 7

[calguyhunk]

i've unistalled classic shell and installed this i must say i'm impressed you feel like you are using windows 7

... without all the Aero effects - cool transparency and all ... :P

(Yes, the workaround does exist, but you cannot even change the damn wallpaper without busting the whole thing) :angry:

BTW, here's another one that will give you the 'Windows 7' effect - Win8Starter

[Ganxxta]

• Windows 7 style Start menu -> yeah :)
• Users can boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop -> hell yeah :D
• Optionally disable the desktop “hot spots”. -> yeah b!tch _{Breaking Bad^^}
• Fast access to shut down, devices, music, documhents, videos -> like its supposed to be

Ok, now only all Aero Glass features are missing :D Then its Win8 time for me^^

Using Stardock Objectdock on Win7 right now, ok it crashes every 2 months or so without reboot, but only needs 13mb ram :)

[rseiler]

has stardock learned how to quit being a resource hog? That was the main reason why I stopped using it ages ago.

I've forgotten what that program of yesteryear was like, but wasn't it a lot larger? This thing is tiny and has all of two components, which when combined stay a little under 1MB, and what runs that small anymore?

One thing I'd like to change in this new version, when using the classic-style menu: the right-side of it is translucent! Nothing classic about that. I can barely read it. Any setting to make it solid?

[DesiPirate]

This is another slap on windows metroSOFT.So how do u like it msft. :naughty:

I am now using win8 pro with classic shell and activated it with kms. :pirate: