Windows Metro UI

[Otto]

One sometimes forgets the huge base of Windows users, it sometimes seems that Apple Macs are the market leader and Linux clients are running Microsoft close for second place.

The truth is Microsoft has an 85%+ market share.

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/win8/windows-metro-ui.htm

But the important bit is that this Metro-style interface isn't an app, it's the Windows shell. It's Windows. So get used to it. It's not going away. But it will get better.

[Antonio Linares]

Dear Otto,

There are all kind of opinions about Windows 8. I am neutral about it, anyhow its good to keep an open mind about it

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/windows-8-consumer-preview-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/18674

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2012/2/27/exclusive-windows-8-launch-in-fourth-quarter-20122c-arm-in-second-quarter-2013.aspx

According to some experts, Windows will decrease its market share below 60% in the next two years:

http://eliax.com/index.cfm?post_id=9246

The truth is that still there are lots of Windows computers using XP. In my opinion Windows 7 is much better, but regarding Windows 8 I really don't know what the users reactions will be. I think it has no sense to provide a "touch" interface for a computer that is not to be "touch" used, and the expected Windows 8 tablets won't be available until 2013...

[Otto]

Hello Antonio,
>I am neutral about it
Thank you.
I can't say that. I got the fever.

I shall read the articles you mention in the links.

Since some time I try to find out how Winhotel could operate in a MetroUI like style.
The more I go ahead the more I think that this changes are great.
I try to find out which application – beside programming (IDE) – in future will be used with keyboard and mouse.
But there is not much left.
Also industry wants to sell new screens the only market I see are touchscreens.
So I am convinced that within short time touchscreens will be everywhere and a common interface.
Smartphones showed how quick these changes take place. I don’t know if there are still handys produced with no touchscreen.

From WINHOTEL we have only few tasks left which you operate sitting in front of your PC with Keyboard and mouse.
Most of the time you are standing talking with the clients/guests and work nearby with the PC.

Especially for the “dbase” style programming Metro Style is very comfortable. All is becoming so much easier.
No resource editor, less controls, less chrome.

This is my personal experiences so fare working on the new windows 8 – Metro style look version of WINHOTEL.

Best regards,
Otto

[Antonio Linares]

Dear Otto,

You know that I, like you, love the technological innovation, thats why I applaud what you are doing on WinHotel using Windows 8 metro interface

I was just thinking out loud about the possible success of Windows 8 new UI in advance. As usual the users will have the final word.

In the meantime lets offer the best we can and lets enjoy doing it

BTW, do you already provide a WinHotel demo using the Metro look ? URL ? thanks,

[TimStone]

Experts have been making predictions since the beginning of time, but they are often wrong.

I work with Metro every day on my Windows phone. It is the best phone I have ever owned because of the integration of the apps.

Tablets are what all consumers are seeking. The iPad wins by default right now, but all those apps still are "fragmented". In Windows 8, the integration of apps is what will make the difference. Also the integration of live services. It is exactly what my clients have wanted for years, and now it will become a reality.

I also like the dual interface in Win 8 because it allows for transition and traditional. Thus, you can run an app in Metro ( developing style ) or desktop ( traditional style ).

While all the other OS's slug it out in lawsuits over patents, trademarks, copyrights, royalties, etc. etc., Microsoft has brought forth a whole new idea and will be able to avoid that nonsense. I think they will be successful with this move.

I don't expect to see many desktops rush to be touch screen. Why reach across a desk to work on the monitor ? There will be some specialty applications, but I'm thinking we may see a new device to replace the mouse and it will be a touch pad that works like a touch screen for desktop applications.

Touchscreens will be normal for notebooks, tablets, and of course phones. I expect to see more people buying notebooks for their desktop workstation. Good docking stations will also be important so they can slide into the extra storage, external keyboards, and larger monitors. The real boost will be slates ( tablet PC's ). Like the Samsung, these will be very fast, super hi-resolution, full computers. Stores will do away with cash registers as salespeople actually walk the store with the customers and process the order while they interact. Customer service will become real again !

I see the potential ! I see the benefits. And I see this all working well.

AND I also see even closer working between Windows and Apple applications. If you doubt that, take a close look at Office Mac 2011 ... fully interactive with Office 2010 at the file/document level, and fully supported with Office 365 for full cloud storage and access !

Tim

[Otto]

Hello Antonio,

>BTW, do you already provide a WinHotel demo using the Metro look ? URL ? thanks,
Here is a link to our new video.
Best regards,
Otto
http://www.winhotel.at/videos/winhotel_metro/winhotel_metro.html

[Antonio Linares]

Otto,

Really nice, congratulations!

[Antonio Linares]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=v4boTbv9_nU

LOL

Its mostly a joke, or not ?

[Otto]

Hello Antonio,

a serious video answer to the previous one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntSdfGzF60M


Best regards,
Otto

[frose]

I don't need the Metro UI on a desktop PC with a 24" monitor, so I activate the old start menue:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthr ... p=17574016

[Otto]

Hello Frank,
you are right. I too have my PC most of the time in desktop mode.
But the reason is that till now I have no application on my PC with a Metro style design except WINHOTEL.
Best regards,
Otto

[frose]

Hi Otto and all others,

I believe Tim is on the right track, he wrote:

...but I'm thinking we may see a new device to replace the mouse and it will be a touch pad that works like a touch screen for desktop applications.

Maybe we have a tablet pc in front of our desktop monitor as a substitute for the keyboard and mouse in the near future, controlling the desktop PC via remote

I just do it with my XOOM and TeamViewer

[StefanHaupt]

I don't need the Metro UI on a desktop PC with a 24" monitor, so I activate the old start menue:

I totally agree ! The Metro style is good for tablets or smartphones, but it is useless on a desktop pc

[Otto]

Stefan,

>but it is useless on a desktop pc

Why?
have you had the change to operate a Metro Style program?
If yes which one?
I have converted WINHOTEL to Metro Style now running most of the screens in full screen.
This is much more elegant and better to operate.
Best regards,
Otto

[StefanHaupt]

Otto,

you use the metro style only inside your application, that may be a way to go to simplify the usability of your app.

But, did you install Win 8 on a normal pc ? It´s horrible. You have no possibility to sort your apps, you have to scroll horizontal over more screens to find the programs last installed. On my normal desktop I have the most used apps (icons) in groups at fixed positions. I can find them very quick. That´s not possible with metro.

I think, the metro style for an operating system is not usable on an office pc, it is designed for touchscreens and not for a desktop pc.