Why Microsoft Has Got it Right With The Windows Start Screen

[Turk]

In Depth The brand new front-end interface in Windows 8 is starting to make sense

When Windows 8 introduced the Start screen at the expense of the Start menu, it certainly made the natives restless. "It's bigger, brighter, bolder, much more personal and much more controversial" we wrote in our Windows 8 review.

And you only need to take a quick glance down at the comments underneath that article to see some of the anger directed at Microsoft.

Where was the hallowed Start button? Why had the desktop been demoted to app status? How does this new-fangled Start screen work?

From the Facebook news feed to iOS 7, big changes always generate a certain amount of opposing opinions. For many, it felt as if Microsoft was foisting an unwanted tablet interface onto its loyal user base, those who were already happy with the traditional Start menu, taskbar and desktop paradigm.

Start screen vs Start menu

For me, after a full year of use, it feels like the brave new world of the Start screen is one that I'm very happy to be in the look of Windows 7 feels rather old-fashioned and one-dimensional in comparison

Once you've worked out how to operate the Start screen - which for most people, should be about 10-15 minutes - it's fast, intuitive and on the whole a pleasure to use. It's certainly better looking than its predecessor.

As soon as Windows loads, I'm met with news stories, weather updates, emails and social media feeds before I've even clicked anything, thanks to the Live Tiles. My most-used apps are right in front of me rather than buried in hard-to-find sub-menus.

When it's time to open up the old faithful desktop, it comes across as somewhat static and cluttered, although perhaps I just need to organise my shortcuts better...

Improved Start screen apps

The Start screen apps - admittedly very basic and awkward when Windows 8 first came out - are fast improving in quality (although some issues remain). Netflix, for example, feels so much more intuitive and smooth when run from the Start screen rather than inside a browser, with its endlessly scrolling titles and chunky controls.

Most of my time is still spent on the desktop. But when I want to focus on one task (such as a movie or a video call) the simplicity and ease-of-use of the Windows 8.1 Start screen always appeals.

On the whole I'm still much more attached to desktop applications, but as a launcher and navigation tool the Start screen has won me round.

Viewing running apps as a cascade of thumbnails down the left makes much more sense than poking around on the taskbar, while the global Search and Settings charms are a huge improvement over grappling with File Explorer or Control Panel. The latter options are still there for the power users (and I make use of them often) but for quick, painless computing the Start screen makes sense more often than not.

Optimised for touch

I haven't used Windows 8/8.1 on a tablet, but I imagine the benefits are even more pronounced. The old desktop approach was never going to work on tablets - just look at the Windows XP slabs Bill Gates was pushing back in 2001 - and Microsoft needed something fresh.

Of course it was going to be a bumpy ride, with many of us attached to the Start menu and quite happy with that way of working. However, I'm betting that anyone whose first PC is a Windows 8.1 machine is going to look back at the Start menu and find it more than a little antiquated

Windows 8.1 ironed out many of the niggling problems with the original Windows 8. Start screen apps can now be organised with greater ease and sorted into groups that are, in my eyes, an improvement on the nested maze of folders that the Start menu offered. You can even boot straight to the desktop if you want to.

There's obviously still work to be done - a Start screen app opening up a file you wanted to see on the desktop remains a jarring experience - but further refinements will follow. Don't rule out a Windows 8.2 update in 2014.

Rethinking Windows

If you're old enough to remember back to when Windows 95 arrived, you'll know that this isn't the first time Microsoft has had to rethink the way that we use our computers.

Eyebrows were raised and some quick changes of habit were required when the Start menu first appeared, complete with a Brian Eno sound effect. But before long we all got on with the new way of working and soon found it impossible to go back.

Then, as now, Microsoft was trying to introduce a new approach to applications and files while trying to stay faithful to its past (the legacy of MS-DOS and the needs of power users).

The Start menu was gradually accepted as the more modern and flexible approach, and Microsoft will be hoping that the Start screen can pull off the same trick, given enough time.

After using it day in and day out, I'm a convert. Try giving the Start screen a chance (or a second or third chance), and you might find yourself won over.

By David Nield

http://www.techradar.com/au/news/software/operating-systems/why-microsoft-has-got-it-right-with-the-windows-start-screen-1204818

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Articles by David Nield http://www.techradar.com/au/author?searchTerm=David Nield

Edited January 6, 2014 by Turk

[calguyhunk]

What is it again that they say about reinventing the wheel? The thing about the Windows desktop is that it just works. The desktop is not a toy unlike the tablets and mobile phones, that you would want to play around with the look and feel of it too much! The PC is a serious productivity tool and all this cr@p just distracts from that. We don't want an in-your-face, (supposedly) 'bold and beautiful' UI that takes weeks to learn fully even for experienced users. :angry:

And what on earth were they thinking anyways when they introduced full screen apps? You need full screen apps on small handheld touchscreen devices because of the lack of screen real estate. But it's really annoying - not to mention a total waste of usable space - on even an average laptop monitor (15.6"), let alone a 27" desktop screen! :mad2:

People want their tabs and mobiles to be "fun" 'cuz all they're gonna do with them is watch cute cat videos and upload low res pics and shaky, grainy videos of their $hitty life on YT, FB, Instagram, Twitter, etc. :unsure:

We want our good old desktops/laptops to be our productivity tools firstly and then if you can jazz it up - it's a bonus! That's why people loved Win7. You didn't have to relearn everything to upgrade from XP/Vista, and as an added bonus, it had a sexier look and feel compared to XP and had better compatibility compared to Vista! :yes:

For all the supposed advancements MS made with Win8, they went miserably wrong by targeting the yuppie crowd and ended up alienating both their traditional user base as well as failed to impress touchscreen aficionados with their half-@ssed attempt that they themselves had to replace with 8.1 just months later. :o

Not that they've still gotten it right though! WTF MS! :wtf:

Edited January 6, 2014 by calguyhunk

[mosaji]

MS sponsored article...

Start screen is what is going to lead to the downfall of MS

Otherwise W8.1 is a breeze. I am using W8.1 because of Startisback

[TheDude]

When it comes down to it people don't like all out changes, they like what they are similar with.

Same thing happened when MS introduced the Office ribbon bar, and to this day I'm still not a fan of that one either.

[joyfaster]

I am using Windows 8.1 because i dont pay it... :showoff:

[insanedown58]

Microsoft Windows is a tool for doing things like documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. and gaming. I agree with calguyhunk on how Windows is a tool for productivity and how the Start Screen made it feel like a toy. I think the UI is more focused on media consumption that productiveness and all that which is bad depending on how you use it.

I find it alright since I don't use my PC for all the productive stuff all that often and I use it to watch movies, play games and read articles much like the (I guess) target market of the "new Windows".

Putting myself in a working man's shoes however, things change as I easily get distracted when the live tiles start to roll. Things like "Jessica commented on your post "hahaha you're so funny"" and "Did you win the sweepstakes? Update on your entry" can easily distract me on what I should really be doing: Make a presentation for tomorrow.

[MidnightDistortions]

"My most-used apps are right in front of me rather than buried in hard-to-find sub-menus."

Yeah if your using Windows 95/98. XP lists your most used programs and W7 includes a search feature. The start screen is too distracting. I don't go back to the desktop to load a program, i just use the start menu, takes 4 seconds and i can continue using the existing program i had opened. I got a gadget for basic weather, i have The Weather Channel for a more indepth version and i got my browser to load basic news, then i go to all the other sites for info. I mean the only difference is your opening software to see it. It's cool you can get all that by a click of a button but it's all integrated. I use my cellphone for email updates, weather updates and facebook. With the desktop i don't need all that right away and in a sense it becomes too cluttered when everything is there at once.

And it's bad enough The Weather Channel reminds me every 5 minutes on my phone there are hazard conditions. I know about them, don't need to keep resending it and it should be more like a facebook response where you can see what it is without trying to touch the area on the screen that you want and it goes to something else because they can't give you a proper link. Of course that's TWC's fault but still that's how i feel about the Start Screen. It's awkward, too big and touch is unnecessary on a desktop.

[hamslammer]

Very well stated calguyhunk, I couldn't agree with you more. I do have 8.1 on another spare drive, but only connect it once a month to update it. I occasionally try to use it and force myself to like it, but that has not been possible for me. I even have Start8 and Metro Mix installed to make it usable, but the I detest the bright bland white windows of the system itself. I could probably like it more if there were an aero option, but Microsoft has seen fit to deny it, that gave Windows 7 a nice sleek, sophisticated look. Until they make further changes to it, I'll be sticking with trusty old Windows 7 and it's beautiful UI and it's superior usability.

[demoneye]

those whore for Microcrap are playing a nasty game with users just to look "new" and "advanced" :angry:

like calguyhung says windows is a TOOL ppl live from it and depend on it... so MS stop all this fuc$# shit with it and go home , rune your XboX one with this bad ideas ! :angry:

peace :wub:

Edited January 6, 2014 by demoneye

[LeeSmithG]

Microsoft had their first screw up with the after birth, oooops, thought, of releasing Windows Millennium.

Because it's the 21st century dawning.

Then came the next one, Vista.

Should had named it 'Windows boobs'.

I like boobs, no I love boobs, not Vista.

Now Windows 8, that is three strikes and you're out.

Few years ago when Australians were sent to the polls, to vote on independence.

They would no longer be ruled by QEII, Queen Elizabeth the 2nd.

So Australia would no longer have the Union Flag as part of it's flag and we would not rule over them anymore.

A man when asked, if he was voting for independence, he said, ''If it aint broke, don't fix it, so NO!''

Great expression and that is what Microsoft should hang on their wall.

Edited January 6, 2014 by LeeSmithG

[Chancer]

I use both a desktop and a tablet running 8.1.

Now I'm used to it - love it, especially on the tablet. On the move it so much easier to use on a touch screen, but low and behold - you also have the familiar desktop - win win for me.

[Sonar]

What? there's a start screen in windows 8? Really? where? :medic:

desktop = noo for many reasons

xbox one = ok but i think they could still do a better start screen for a console instead of using the same thing around each device.

Edited January 6, 2014 by Sonar

[Nastrahl]

MS sponsored article...

Start screen is what is going to lead to the downfall of MS

Otherwise W8.1 is a breeze. I am using W8.1 because of Startisback

[smokeyjoe]

Fuck windows 8 :moon: . And nice copy and pate Turk :troll: ... http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/why-microsoft-has-got-it-right-with-the-windows-start-screen-1204818

[SPECTRUM]

AD/Sponsored/Spam News -.-

[Turk]

Of course, It is a copy and paste, as it should be, whether you like or not. I personally enjoying to use Windows just as billions around the world. It does not mean it is absolute better than any other, after all personal choice. Indeed, win8.1 is the best windows ever, IMHO, and start screen is good when touch/pen function used. And the article's author is not my brother or uncle!

@LeeSmith as you can see my flag. I am Turk, my name is Turk, and most importantly my flag is Cresent-Star Turkish Flag.

Not your Union Jack nor any of its colonised flags. I am not interested in your Queen (though as human being I respect her) or if DownUnders have not chosen independence or not. I am Turk, I am more independent than you, and never be dependent on any others in my long 2000 years history. Think twice, before you talk.

Edit: 1st paragh completed.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Turk

[Fallon]

In Depth The brand new front-end interface in Windows 8 is starting to make sense

Start screen vs Start menu

For me, after a full year of use, it feels like the brave new world of the Start screen is one that I'm very happy to be in.

As soon as Windows loads, I'm met with news stories, weather updates, emails and social media feeds before I've even clicked anything,

Most of my time is still spent on the desktop. But when I want to focus on one task (such as a movie or a video call) the simplicity and ease-of-use of the Windows 8.1 Start screen always appeals.

On the whole I'm still much more attached to desktop applications, but as a launcher and navigation tool the Start screen has won me round.

This is almost pathetic. The 'new front-end interface' in Windows 8 could be a web site, or a desktop shortcut for those who want access to it, or a lot of things. But there is NO reason at all for users to want Microsoft to decorate the desktop on a PC FOR them.

Me, I like some important shortcuts on the desktop edges and for the rest auto hide tool-bars. The desktop is also needed to move and archive files, since other directories are more limited for that, because of similar 'improvements'. It's nice to make pictures stick on the desktop as wallpaper after viewing. Just some reasons why we don't need MS to hijack the desktop.

What is it again that they say about reinventing the wheel? The thing about the Windows desktop is that it just works. The desktop is not a toy unlike the tablets and mobile phones, that you would want to play around with the look and feel of it too much! The PC is a serious productivity tool and all this cr@p just distracts from that. We don't want an in-your-face, (supposedly) 'bold and beautiful' UI :angry:

For all the supposed advancements MS made with Win8, they went miserably wrong :o

Not that they've still gotten it right though! WTF MS! :wtf:

I agree with you here. :listen:

Edited January 9, 2014 by Fallon

[ShEsHy]

MS sponsored article...

Start screen is what is going to lead to the downfall of MS

Otherwise W8.1 is a breeze. I am using W8.1 because of Startisback

Apple/Linux sponsored comment then.

Reducing Windows 8 only by its StartScreen that you never use nor see, which represent nothing compared to the whole OS, is quite absurd.

When the majority of frontend changes from 7 to 8 falls into the new UI category, it is perfectly reasonable to judge it based on that. It's actually kinda the point in sequels (be it movies, applications, music, books, games,...), to be compared to their previous incarnations. If they launched it as a seperate OS, not under the Windows name we'd probably say fuck it, let them do what they want with it, we'll stay with Windows, but by making 8 (and its SP1) the sequel to 7, you can be damn sure can, are, and will judge it on the biggest change from 7, and not as a singular product.

[MidnightDistortions]

Apple/Linux sponsored comment then.

Reducing Windows 8 only by its StartScreen that you never use nor see, which represent nothing compared to the whole OS, is quite absurd.

I don't know what version you use but the StartScreen has to be used when you first install W8x. This is what people are hung up on. It's like buying a new computer but replacing your hard drive, optical drive and processor to get it to work the way you want to. It's fine if it's used, but as with anything new it shouldn't require you to tweak it for your benefit. Sure, most people tweak and add programs to Windows upon first install but W7 and predecessors work right out of the box. Windows 8x isn't like that for some and to deal with a UI that they are irritated by it's just less of a headache to install W7 instead. If MS released a new OS that you have to wait to use because it's busy downloading people would complain about that and yet there are some that are like 'Oh you can't wait one hour' then brag about fast boot times and easier navigation with it. Yep welcome to the future where it takes longer for you to actually use the OS but it's twice as fast with new features you'll never use.

:duh:

I know W8x isn't so bad after getting past the annoying StartScreen but try telling that to the consumers who are returning their PCs or installing W7 instead. W8 has also encouraged me to switch to Linux.