Microsoft’s iconic Start button is missing from the upcoming Windows 8

The , an iconic part of Microsoft’s operating system since it was introduced in Windows 95, is missing from the latest test version of the upcoming Windows 8.

The Start button evolved to become the operating system’s “launchpad”, offering access to software, files and search functions.

Earlier of Windows 8 had flattened the recognizable “orb” – but the new build removes it altogether, according to leaked screenshots from tech site The Verge.

Microsoft has not announced a release date for the new operating system, built to work with touchscreens as well as on conventional PCs, but it’s widely expected to release in the second half of this year.

“Fear not though, the Start button functionality isn’t as dead as it seems,” reports The Verge.

The Start button an iconic part of Microsofts operating system is missing from the latest test version of the upcoming Windows 8 photo

The Start button, an iconic part of Microsoft's operating system, is missing from the latest test version of the upcoming Windows 8

Although the button itself might be absent, the functions are still there, just accessed via a “hot corner” designed to work equally well with touchscreens or computer mice.

“We have confirmed with sources close to Microsoft’s Windows 8 development that a hot corner has replaced the Start button orb,” says The Verge.

A thumbnail-like user interface will appear in Metro or desktop mode, providing a consistent way to access the and Start Screen in Windows 8 regardless of touch or mouse input.

Windows 8 is a radical reinvention of Microsoft’s operating system.

Windows 8 is built to operate on tablets as well as PCs, and looks more like the Windows Phone operating system – with a tile-based “start” screen akin to the menus of apps offered in smartphone operating systems.

Navigation is done by swiping a finger across a touchscreen – although you can also use a mouse or even the direction keys.

The system will also be built to rely heavily on “cloud” information storage, with a Windows Live login used to access some features, and heavy integration with online storage services such as Microsoft’s SkyDrive.

Microsoft launches the most complete preview yet of its upcoming Windows 8 operating systemWindows 8 Release Preview: Microsoft launches the most complete preview of its latest OS Windows 8 will come in two variations, one that works on desktops and laptops, and a new version for the ARM microprocessors in tablets, smartphones and other portable devicesWindows 8 free trial version offered around the world from today Microsoft has unveiled Surface, its own-brand family of tablets, which will be powered by its upcoming Windows 8 system and contains a choice of an Intel or ARM-based processorMicrosoft Surface tablet powered by Windows 8 unveiled Microsoft has unveiled Windows Phone 8, the next version of its smartphone operating systemWindows Phone 8, updated version of Microsoft smartphone OS, unveiled Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro will be available for Intel-compatible machines and Windows RT for tabletsWindows 8 OS comes in three different flavors Microsoft is switching off its Windows Live Messenger service on March 15Windows Live Messenger service to be switched off on March 15 Microsoft has confirmed that it will release its Surface tablet to coincide with the launch of its Windows 8 software on October 26Microsoft Surface tablet set to go on sale on October 26th Windows 8 will be released on October 26Windows 8 will be launched on October 26
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Short URL: http://www.bellenews.com/?p=13260

Posted by on Feb 7 2012. Filed under Science & Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.

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