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Microsoft Drops 'Metro' Name For Windows 8 UI

Posted by Soulskill on from the a-rose-by-any-other-name-would-look-as-blocky dept.

hawkinspeter writes "The BBC is reporting that Microsoft is dropping the 'Metro' name for the new Windows 8 UI. Apparently, the catchy new name they've settled on is 'Windows 8 style UI!' This has happened due to a (potential) trademark dispute with Metro AG, a German retail giant. Microsoft said, '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.' I'm wondering if Microsoft planned this to get publicity for their new OS and UI or whether they just forget to check on how 'Metro' is used around the world."

4 of 356 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Codenames are common. by CanHasDIY · · Score: 5, Informative

    Metro : US and French name for an underground railway system, aka Underground, Tube, Subway, etc .etc .etc ...

    Also, in US at least, slang term for a straight guy who acts/dresses like a homosexual.

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  2. Re:Codenames are common. by Bigbutt · · Score: 3, Informative

    In DC it's called the Metro.

    [John]

    --
    Shit better not happen!
  3. Re:Codenames are common. by Sique · · Score: 5, Informative

    Actually, it's a shortening of the original name of the Paris underground trains: Compagnie du Métropolitain de Paris.

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    .sig: Sique *sigh*
  4. No, they're not by Jim+Hall · · Score: 5, Informative

    > Apparently, the catchy new name they've settled on is 'Windows 8 style UI'

    I'm no Microsoft fan, but TFS is wrong. Both linked articles aren't that long, so it's not hard to find what they've actually said. Microsoft has dropped "Metro" and is looking for a new name. Until they figure out a new name, they have asked developers to stop referring to the interface as "Metro" and use "Windows 8 style UI" instead. But the point is, Microsoft has not settled on this as a new name.

    From the BBC article:

    Instead of Metro, Microsoft has told developers to simply refer to the blocky display as a "Windows 8 style UI" for the time being.

    From the Verge article:

    Until then, employees have been advised to refer to the Metro style user interface as the "Windows 8 style UI."