Microsoft Backtracks Over Windows 8 ‘Metro’ Name
Microsoft has reportedly withdrawn the term “Metro” used to describe certain apps for Windows 8
There are reports that Microsoft has dropped the use of the ‘Metro’ branding associated with its upcoming operating systems, Windows 8.
Microsoft initially introduced Windows 8 last year at its BUILD conference in September, the company described Metro-style apps as being key to the touch-first user interface of the new platform.
Microsoft said of Metro style: “Windows 8 introduces a new Metro style interface built for touch, which shows information important to you, embodies simplicity and gives you control. The Metro style UI is equally at home with a mouse and keyboard as well.”
Backtracking Or Not?
However, now, the functionality and intent of what goes into a Metro style app has not changed, only Microsoft’s use of the term has, according to a report in the All About Microsoft blog.
Yet, Microsoft would not say whether it was a copyright or trademark issue or some other legal matter.
Microsoft has said Windows 8 will be powered by apps. “Windows 8 introduces a new Metro style interface built for touch, which shows information important to you, embodies simplicity and gives you control,” the company said in a press release. “The Metro style UI is equally at home with a mouse and keyboard as well.”
Moreover, at BUILD, Microsoft’s Windows president Steven Sinofsky, in discussing the finer points of Windows 8, said: “And then we’re going to show you how to build these incredibly cool what we call Metro style applications. They’re full screened, they’re immersive, they’re touch-centric, and we’re going to show you how to build those from the ground up using world class development tools.”
Commercial Names
So the Metro style apps are central to Windows 8. But if they will no longer be called “Metro” what in the world will Microsoft call them?
In a response to a query on the issue of the use of the term “Metro,” Microsoft told All About Microsoft:
“We have used Metro style as a code name during the product development cycle across many of our product lines. As we get closer to launch and transition from industry dialogue to a broad consumer dialogue we will use our commercial names.”
Is Microsoft Office your friend? Take our quiz.
