Following a naming dispute with a European partner over its Metro design language, Microsoft has apparently decided to simply switch to the "Windows 8" moniker.
Per a ZDNet report, the site's sources have stated that "Metro-style applications" will officially become "Windows 8 applications," the "Metro user interface" will become the "Windows 8 user interface," and "Metro design" will be "Windows 8 design."
The report points to the new promotional page for Lenovo's ThinkPad Tablet 2, which peddles "desktop and Windows 8 apps." The promotional page could be indicative that manufacturers may have been informed of the new decision. On its Windows Phone 8, Microsoft is still said to be calling the interface "Windows 8."
Although, Microsoft never officially announced the decision to stop using the Metro codename, a leaked memo revealed it was making the change because of an "important European partner." Tech pundits speculate that the "important partner" in question could well be German Company Metro AG.
Since then, the Redmond-based company has apparently been pushing the term "Windows 8 style UI" or "New User Interface." However, it is believed that the company was supposed to decide on a new name by the end of the week.
"I have no idea as to why Microsoft couldn't come to some kind of terms, monetary or otherwise, with Metro Group, identified in an internal e-mail as "an important European partner." Metro Group is one of the biggest retailers in the world, and, I'm assuming, will figure in Microsoft's Windows 8 distribution plans," stated Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet.
Microsoft is yet to comment on the new decision.
