Metro Is In
How does it compare with iOS or Mac OS X? Mac OS X Lion has also been changing, bringing full screen apps and a new Launchpad similar to the Metro Start screen. The key difference is of course that Windows 8 is a hybrid design that fully bridges the touch or tablet experience with the PC or keyboard and mouse experience (Desktop Mode). iOS is primarily a consumption OS while Mac OS X is required to create content, especially apps for iOS. Windows 8 can be used to both consume and create content. In retains the traditional desktop mode together with Metro.
Not to mention that iOS is still built on a UI that references the real world at every turn. The iBook app uses a wooden bookshelf to hold books. Sure it is familiar but it doesn’t add value or simplicity. Imagine if every car was still built like a horse drawn carriage. And while Mac OS X has full screen apps, they are just Apps maximized something Windows has always been able to do. iOS has always been exclusively full screen. Metro allows you to effectively multitasking by splitting you screen to two apps, a primary app and secondary app on the side.
In addition the technologies present excel on Windows 8. Standards such as HTML5 create a world where anyone can create an app and enrich the experience. Gestures allow you to more effectively switch between app, quit apps, and overall control your experience. And on the plus, the mouse and keyboard effectively control Metro as well.
I wonder if the full experience of Windows 8 will be available on the ARM build. Like the 2 app multitask on screen. Yet 9 editions of Windows 8 will be released. One thing I do enjoy on OS X is the 1 edition with all features, rather Starter, Home or Professional editions of Windows. But Metro is looking great, its the way to unify the MS ecosystem, from windows phone 7 to Zune Store to Xbox 360 to Windows 8.
Windows 8 ARM devices require 1368×768 Resolution so that they can support the 2 App mulittasking. Also Office in Desktop Mode support is confirmed, included for free on ARM versions.
9 editions is rumoured but it lets people buy into cheaper versions with the features that suit them. Home users don’t need enterprise features.