Guest Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Microsoft is abandoning the 'Aero' user interface with Windows 8, calling the UI that debuted in Vista and continued in Windows 7, 'cheesy' and 'dated.' View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crp Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 The comparassion in the Microsoft of touch-screen intereface to the implementation of the mouse interface is, well, dumb. The issue of the Metro interface on 22" wide monitor is also missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 What issue exists with Metro on a 22" monitor? Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corrine Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 If you haven't seen the massive Building Windows 8 blog post referenced in the CW article, plan on extra reading time to get through it. It really is a monster. Creating the Windows 8 user experience - Building Windows 8. If that isn't enough, some of the other articles that resulted: Windows 8 to get some desktop UI changes - Neowin Microsoft opines: Vista was 'cheesy'; drops Aero | Business Tech - CNET News RIP Aero Glass; Windows 8 Sticks a Fork in Familiar UI | News & Opinion | PCMag.com Windows 8 Release Preview: RIP, Aero (2003-2012) Maximum PC | Microsoft Plans to Kill the Aero UI Prior To Final Windows 8 Release Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 The problem is, I really like Aero Glass...and I don't like Win8 UI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunrat Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 The problem is, I really like Aero Glass...and I don't like Win8 UI. Likewise. Win 7 is the best Windows ever, and MS will do itself a great disservice to drop it's GUI just to make one that is primarily for touchscreens and tablets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crp Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 how wretched! it is like windows 2 (the little-used predecessor to windows 3.) windows 2 - 1. looked like crap - like this metro poop Actually, this points out what I think was a major marketing blunder. The color scheme of the 4 brash alternating colors for the 'boxes' is not a fixed feature. The colors , hues and to a certain extent the layout are changeable.2. only allowed 1 app to be running - like this metro garbage on a pc, more than 1 running metro'ed app will be viewable on screen, though it looks like the limit will be 2 The problem with Metro on a regular sized desktop monitor is that the empty "white" space just screams at the user. loads of "white" space are needed for the touch on small devices so that the UI can more readily tell when the user is using a touch gesture and what is being touched (or not touced). But the proportions don't change on a regular desktop or large laptop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goretsky Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Hello, My guess would be that this is to allow manufacturers to make use of cheaper IGPs instead of more expensive discrete graphics without getting complaints. This is probably more critical on ARM tablets running Windows RT, where graphics chips are likely to be far less powerful than on their PC counterparts. Providing a less-polished user interface should also decrease energy consumption and waste heat from the graphics subsystem. Regards, Aryeh Goretsky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 The problem is, I really like Aero Glass...and I don't like Win8 UI. An I find the Windows 7/Vista UI to be horrible. It boils down to our preferences. Besides it is a fact that many do not like change. I remember the noise when Vista first came out... people hated it. Microsoft tweaked it a bit for Windows 7, and now people favor that to what's coming with Windows 8. The same thing applies to linux, too. Ubuntu debuted the Unity interface, and I hate it over the stock GNOME interface. Is Unity bad? No, but it is different than what I have been used to for the last five years or so. Microsoft is recognizing that people generally like the Metro/iOS style interface with full screen apps and such. I don't think they would arbitrarily create it without doing a lot of usability studies, right? Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I still hate Vista's UI. There are MAJOR differences between the Vista UI and Win7. And Vista's UI is counter intuitive and a real slug. I hate Ubuntu's Unity interface too LOL! Yep, I agree. It's personal preferences to some extent, but it's also usability. Unity and Win8 are so dumbed down they are totally annoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crp Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I still hate Vista's UI. There are MAJOR differences between the Vista UI and Win7. And Vista's UI is counter intuitive and a real slug. I hate Ubuntu's Unity interface too LOL! Yep, I agree. It's personal preferences to some extent, but it's also usability. Unity and Win8 are so dumbed down they are totally annoying. gotta agree that the UI of Vista and 7 have major differences. They tweaked a lot from Vista to 7.For the admin things though, i use the XP UI when possible. As for being "dumbed down" - if (IF) microsoft follows through on plans, W8 will have many keyboard shortcuts to accomplish/gain access to elements and controls, including mimics of touch control processes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Yeah, we'll just have to wait and see. I could get used to that type of interface for a netbook, but not so sure about a regular computer. I love the green, but what I am reading about it and all the forced white space that is huge when on a large monitor, is a total waste of screen real estate. I should be able to use the Aero on the desktop if I prefer that. Linux doesn't make me use Gnome when I prefer KDE or xfce. Windows shouldn't force a particular UI either. Especially when one is the best they have ever done (Aero Glass) and the other is aUI made for smaller and less functional devices than computers. Sure it's great for tablets even, and phones, but for multi-purpose computers it will be totally counter-intuitive even with the keyboard shortcuts and I wonder why they are forcing you to use a dumbed down GUI or keyboard shortcuts to get to those things? They have spent an entire 'computer generation' working on mousing alternatives. Sure they are trying to get to the point where touch will be the thing, and we really need to get there, but what the hay? That's not here yet! And likely won't for years yet. Large monitors for touchscreen, even small monitors for touchscreen are not even remotely viable price-wise. And until they get it fine tuned, which will take time, many graphical artists, photographers, etc., as well as corporate/business users will be hard pressed to be able to use ONLY a touch screen anyway. I hear what you are saying, I do. But this is going to be one of the rockiest roads Microsoft has ever forced on their users. And I for one will go kicking and screaming. And I have NEVER felt that way about new versions of Windows before. It's sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Yes, Metro is going to take a LONG time to gain a foothold. Much much software exists that is simply too complicated for a Metro interface. Look at how long it took to get some really awesome apps out there that took advantage of the touchscreen interface on iOS devices! The first apps were mostly point and click type interfaces! But isn't this the whole point of the backup desktop interface in windows 8? If MS put a full Aero interface int eh desktop, would that not encourage users to stay there, where it is perhaps a bit more comfortable? Then no one would really try to use the Metro interface! It would then fall flat, just like Media Center, I would think. I think MS is being smart about this. Touch screen is the future. Capacative touch panels virtually eliminate the hassles of traditional screens. The reason we don't see them yet, in my opinion, is that no real touch interfaces exist yet for it. If the Metro interface plays second fiddle to the desktop interface, PCs will remain stagnant and lacking in any true innovation. My $0.02.... Adam 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Media Center failed because it took over. It was not something you could put in the corner and watch while you worked on other things. No one wants their system taken over by specific tasks! I sit here with browser, chat, email, sometimes 1/2 dozen other programs open at the same time slipping between them. I do not want to go back to a single or dual task computing life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Media Center failed because it took over. It was not something you could put in the corner and watch while you worked on other things. No one wants their system taken over by specific tasks! I sit here with browser, chat, email, sometimes 1/2 dozen other programs open at the same time slipping between them. I do not want to go back to a single or dual task computing life! And neither do I.... but we are the 1%...... I have a boatload of programs open at all times.... and that suits me. You too, it seems. But computers are rapidly approaching the appliance stage, and the blame for this movement may in fact be Apple, who kicked things off with the iPad. Now iPad sales are in some cases outpacing laptop sales, so I think the market is really speaking here. Microsoft has miserably failed in the tablet market, and I think it is possible they are simply too late to the game now to succeed in the tablet/touchscreen market. Do I think this transition will happen quickly? Absolutely not, and business/government applications are going to really slow it down. I see this transition on the "desktop" market taking at least a decade. I do think that this is a good thing, because programs are generally dumb and difficult to use. A touch interface demands a lot more thought be put into interface design. Where are we going? We are moving online. Everything is going to turn into a web app.... and we are not going to turn back. Think about it.... how much do you really use a computer that is not online? It is almost pointless! Computers are becoming toasters with touch screens. Everything is moving online, no matter how much we kick and scream about it. Soon, we'll have a tablet hooked to a wireless network of some sort that stays online at all times. All sotrage will be online. The revolution will be streamed. But, that is just my nickel's worth of thinking. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunrat Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 As much as touchscreens and tablets are popular now, I can't imagine sticking my 27" monitor in my bag any time soon. And securitybreach would have even more trouble with his 3 monitor setup. So I think desktop PCs and big screens will still have a place for a long time yet. Little 10 inch screens are a pain for us optically challenged people too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 (edited) Yes, I agree with what you are saying, Adam. But it's one thing to have a Tablet that does that, it's something entirely different to have a fully functional computers/laptops do that. Even Apple doesn't go that far. They have blended it with Lion. Apple has Mission Control that you can use or not. I actually like it, but I can ignore it if I like and only use it sometimes if I like. But not everyone likes the dumbing down even in Lion on the the fully functional Macs. What people love on their iPad and iPhone, many wouldn't like on Macs either. Don't get me wrong, there is much to really like about Lion. I love it! It's beautiful and functional albeit different from previous versions of Mac OS X. But there are some less transparent ways of dealing with your data in Finder than in previous Mac OS X versions. Sure they want the apps they have on their iPads/iPhones on their Macs, but they don't want their Macs to become the iPad/iPhone. That's all I am saying. There still needs to be some differentiation between full blown computers and how they are used and mobile devices and how they are used. That's not to say that many times and for many people an iPad has actually totally replaced a laptop or even a computer, but it's not the case for everyone. But we do seem to be moving in that direction and I think there is no denying that. But these companies get the cart before the horse. It's not ready and they just can't force it before it's time IMHO. As much as touchscreens and tablets are popular now, I can't imagine sticking my 27" monitor in my bag any time soon. And securitybreach would have even more trouble with his 3 monitor setup. So I think desktop PCs and big screens will still have a place for a long time yet. Little 10 inch screens are a pain for us optically challenged people too. Yes! That is another area or two that will be a real challenge. Edited May 23, 2012 by LilBambi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 As much as touchscreens and tablets are popular now, I can't imagine sticking my 27" monitor in my bag any time soon. And securitybreach would have even more trouble with his 3 monitor setup. So I think desktop PCs and big screens will still have a place for a long time yet. Little 10 inch screens are a pain for us optically challenged people too. Well, a 27" monitor is not going to be a tablet. The tablet style interface I do see coming.... perhaps in a Minority Report style of non-portable computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 (edited) But we do seem to be moving in that direction and I think there is no denying that. But these companies get the cart before the horse. It's not ready and they just can't force it before it's time IMHO. That is precisely my point. The general purpose computer is dying, and far quicker than anyone originally thought. Apple took the lead with the iPad, and everyone is scrambling to catch up. Eventually, the vast majority of users will be on touch screen device with an app ecosystem. Microsoft is simply trying desperately to catch up so they can remain relevant in the market as it changes. I agree, though, that this shift is not fully baked yet. However, it will not get that way simply by letting people tinker with it as they go. It really needs to be pushed, much in the way Apple did with the iPad. This will get the developers onboard, and drive the market forward. We were just talking about this in the office this morning. I am thinking this will eventually end up with a hybrid product that we will carry with us at all times. I am thinking an iPhone style device (which is the phone as well) that has the basic iOS user interface on it. When that device is docked to a larger screen, I envision it shutting down the iOS interface, and bringing up a more OSX style interface. I Think the Motorola Atrix does this, but I am not sure how well it actually works. For what its worth, the tech is basically here. the iPhone 4S is available in a 64GB variant. Cloud storage is taking off rapidly. High speed cellular data (data caps notwithstanding) is becoming ubiquitous. I may soon be carrying my computer around with me at all times! How cool is that? Adam Edited May 23, 2012 by ross549 Working with a non-standards compliant browser. Ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 (edited) I agree, though, that this shift is not fully baked yet. However, it will not get that way simply by letting people tinker with it as they go. It really needs to be pushed, much in the way Apple did with the iPad. This will get the developers onboard, and drive the market forward. I may soon be carrying my computer around with me at all times! How cool is that? Adam That is very cool and not have to lug a heavy laptop to do so. But it is no where near ready for being able to do that. Even Apple didn't push it on the Mac. The made some cool stuff like Mission Control available, and some changes behind the scenes to make it possible in the future. But they did not push it on their desktop/laptop Macs like Microsoft is trying to do with Metro. Microsoft is cutting corners again. Forcing people on desktops to use what should only be on tablets and phones at this point. Apple got people used to it on the iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch first. I do not not like that mentality that says you have to do it my way. Bring it on slowly on the Desktop like Apple is doing ... it's going to be years yet before it will be mainstream so why push a Desktop OS that isn't ready and there are no affordable touchscreens that will make it work right? I have several clients that have the HP All in Ones with the touchscreen. Do you think they use the touchscreen? No. They just like the All in One unit for space on their desks. Edited May 23, 2012 by LilBambi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 You are right. The insdustry as a whole is not yet ready for such a shift. However, the pieces are slowly falling into place. Apple is not "tabletizing" OSX yet- at least not forcing it on the user- but the signs are clear that it is coming. Apple is trying to make it cool so that when the time comes to make the switch, everyone will be ready to go. Do I think Microsoft's approach is the right one? Probably not.... but Microsoft has a LOT of catching up to do. Apple's got a 5 year lead in this area. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Yep, they are doing it wrong. And we get to pay for their mistakes again... Sigh... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abarbarian Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Maximum PC | Microsoft Plans to Kill the Aero UI Prior To Final Windows 8 Release From Corrine's post 5 “We applied the principles of ‘clean and crisp’ when updating window and taskbar chrome. Gone are the glass and reflections. We squared off the edges of windows and the taskbar. We removed all the glows and gradients found on buttons within the chrome. We made the appearance of windows crisper by removing unnecessary shadows and transparency. To complete the story, we updated the appearance of most common controls, such as buttons, check boxes, sliders, and the Ribbon. We squared off the rounded edges, cleaned away gradients, and flattened the control backgrounds to align with our chrome changes. We also tweaked the colors to make them feel more modern and neutral.” They could have saved millions by using WindowMaker and then customers could have customised it themselves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunrat Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I remember a famous quote - "Pretty is a feature" - Mark Shuttleworth. Looks like pretty is out for Win 8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I find it ironic that the software goes back and forth during UI revisions. One version it is square edged, then the it is smooth and rounded. Then we go back to squared again...... Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I don't think that metro desktop looks too bad. It does look like it's anticipating universal touchscreen capabilities, though. Yeesh! If there ever was an article that qualified for tl;dr, that was it. I felt myself aging as a slowly scrolled down the pages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Yep, did a text to speech deal with Say It Save It to convert to an mp3 to listen to it. I have been doing this a lot lately. It's way too hard to keep up with it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 That's pretty cool. I could see that being beneficial to the sight impaired as well as the lazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 For sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymac46 Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 I'm not really worrying about Win 8 very much, to be honest. I am still running Windows XP on one of my desktops and it's still supported for another couple of years. Windows 7 is good enough to be the long term successor to XP and I fully expect it to be supported well into the future. I'll be able to buy used hardware with Windows 7 installed for another 3 years after Windows 8 comes out and at the end of it all there's still some form of Linux to keep machines useful and current. So I'll get back to you in 10 years on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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