My take on this is that MS has seen its lackluster sales along with the popularity of apps like Start8 (and to be honest, others) and ModernMix along side Windows 8. These figures aren’t “worrisome” to MS. They are a “Gallup Poll” of sorts for MS and hopefully, MS will use the results correctly. I truly hope Stardock continues to offer up software which simply put, just makes it better and easier. However, MS hasn’t been blessed with the likes of Neil Banfield and the SD dev team… nor SD Support, for that matter.
OS’s are in constant evolution. That’s a fact. “Resistance is futile” is correct. There’s no point in trying. An OS has two main parts, as I see it. There’s the part which you don’t “see” – the guts of the OS which need protection to work properly, and the part which is visible. The latter is the part you interact with.
To be “efficient” and to be able to promote productivity (and fun) it should be pleasing to the eye. It should be customizable. To allow that SECURELY, the proper “hooks/handles” need to be there to prevent system file “patching” which is in fact, a security breach of sorts. Software working in RAM, using those handles should not present a security risk as they aren’t anywhere near the kernel.
So… to the leaked features. Please realize, I haven’t gotten into W8 yet… because of the “loss” of the desktop and the conversion of the start menu to the initial live apps thing. I figured I’d wait for Stardock’s Windowblinds 8. I think it’ll be worth the wait. Neil will make something awesome. I’m banking on it.
I’ll just touch on customization related features. For the rest, go here:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031946/deep-inside-windows-blue-10-coolest-features-in-microsofts-leaked-os.html
1. Easier personalization:
“While we're on a Start screen kick, it's worth mentioning that Windows Blue makes it much easier to change the look of the modern UI. In Windows 8, the personalization options are banished to the darkest corner of the OS, buried deep in submenu after submenu. In Windows Blue, a Personalization option appears in the level of the Settings charm, right above the familiar Tiles and Help options.”
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031946/deep-inside-windows-blue-10-coolest-features-in-microsofts-leaked-os.html
2. Simple Screenie sharing:
“Windows Blue adds the ability to share a screenshot of the app you're working in using other modern-style apps you have installed, similar to Android's sharing function. “ – ibid
3. Changes in available settings/control panel:
“Windows Blue fixes this with its vastly expanded PC Settings, which now contain many of the options hidden within the Control Panel. Windows Build 9364's PC Settings now let you fiddle with default apps, resolutions, fine networking details, and a whole lot more.” – ibid
4. Half-screen app snapping (a tremendously useful feature they screwed up):
“the only snapping option available in Windows 8 slaps one app across 75 percent of the screen, while the second app is relegated to a miserly 25 percent of the display. That particular design decision was, in a word, bone-headed… Fortunately, the Windows Blue leak adds a 50/50 snapping option that should've been available from the get-go. Being able to dedicate half your screen to two separate apps makes the Snap feature much more useful for day-to-day app-based activities. (The old 75/25 split is still available if you prefer it, though).” – ibid
Please see the rest of source article for the rest of the ten features. You can find them here:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031946/deep-inside-windows-blue-10-coolest-features-in-microsofts-leaked-os.html
Oh yes… I’ve seen mention of the Start Button in several posts. It doesn’t return in Windows Blue.
Buuuuut….. Start8 will give it to you, and I’m betting about the settings thing… ModernMix and WB8 will give you a whole lot more.
If this topic interests you, take a look at these articles:
The first is a really good dissection.
http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/virtual-hands-windows-8-blue-build-9364
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2035460/windows-blue-wish-list-15-must-see-improvements.html
The second is about the “15 must haves wish list” Brad Chacos wants.
And, have a good weekend.