When Microsoft announced Windows 8, it took some inspiration from its mobile operating system, Windows Phone.
Windows 8 looks very different from previous versions of the Windows desktop operating system. The Metro UI with Live Tiles interface makes Windows 8 feel like an unfamiliar world to some. Microsoft faced some backlash after it got rid of the familiar Start Button when it launched Windows 8; it was a feature millions of people had been using since the release of Windows 95. People don't like change and soon were bashing Microsoft for Windows 8's Start menu disappearance and its new look. Microsoft has apparently given in and is bringing back the feature when it releases Windows 8.1, codename Windows Blue, along with a boot-to-desktop mode for anyone that does not want to see Metro.
With the latest Windows Blue Milestone Previews we're starting to get a better understanding of how the Start menu will work in Windows 8.1. According to sources, the Start Button will look exactly like the Start Button that can be found in Windows 8's Charms menu. The Start Button will be placed on the taskbar in Windows 8.1 and look like the Start Menu that is found in Windows 7. That's where the similarities end. Pressing the Start button in Windows 8.1 will automatically open a full-screen view of "All Apps", users will then be able to arrange the icons to their liking. This will be the closest resemblance of the Windows Start Button of the past. It is still better than the current setup, but might not be enough for some users.
Another welcome addition is Windows 8.1's "boot-to-desktop" feature, which does as the name implies. Boot-to-desktop will allow you to have Windows boot to a Metro-free interface and the more familar desktop interface users are used to.
Microsoft wanted to make Windows 8 a more touch-friendly environment and it did a great job with Windows 8. The problem mostly stems from desktop and laptop users who aren't using a touchscreen device. One could argue that Microsoft should have included both of these features when it launched Windows 8 so people could get acquainted with the new OS. As with any type of change, people resist it until they get more comfortable with their new surroundings; at least you can feel a little comfortable knowing that these two features will be back.
