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Windows 10 Enables Switching Between Desktop and Tablet Modes
jones_supa writes: In Windows 8, you were trapped in either the Modern UI or using the desktop, and going back and forth between the two worlds was cumbersome. Windows 10 takes a hybrid approach, allowing the user to choose between a classic desktop and a full-screen mobile experience. The feature, which has been developed under the name "Continuum," is now simply called "Tablet mode". In the build 9926 of Windows 10 Technical Preview, switching between the modes can finally be tried out. The leaked build 10036 shows that eventually you will also have the option to automate the process for dockable devices. Since Windows 10 is being positioned as the one OS for all of Microsoft's devices, being able to control the desktop and tablet experiences like this is critical to appeasing the consumer.
I can't believe it took them TWO FULL VERSIONS to realize they needed the feature. This should have been implemented back in Windows 8, or 9 at least...
I art more snarky, and terse than thou. I art Slashdot!
As a technical preview with a primary goal of soliciting feedback from its user, I'd say quite a bit.
It's worth putting all this out there because it has been one gigantic clusterfuck ever since Windows 8's features were revealed. And I will continue to point out that PR firms and fanbois have harmed Microsoft more than help them. I really hope Windows 10 can put this awkward, uncomfortable, frustrating dynamic to bed. The social costs of Windows 8 have undermined its value as an OS, and that's so damn silly that it's a shame I have to type it. In the Army, we called that "Mickey Mouse bullshit." All that should matter is the OS itself, and I'm optimistic about Windows 10 in that regard.
I some time running the Windows 10 Technical preview that was released in January. Although it's an early, nowhere-near-finished- pre-beta version, it shows where Microsoft's thinking is headed. And it's not good.
While they have made some improvements over the clusterfuck that is Windows 8, in most cases they have doubled-down on stupid, keeping the vast majority of bad design decisions that were made with Windows 8. Even bringing back the Start Menu was botched. It still isn't as functional as Windows 7.
And the whole thing is just fucking ugly. More and more people spend an enormous amount of time in front of a computer, not just for social/entertainment purposes but for work as well. Aesthetics matter and Windows 8/10 fail horribly. This picture sums it all up perfectly:
http://i.imgur.com/iiXQRtN.jpg
Before I get into this, know that I understand that it will take time for Microsoft to develop their new interface paradigm, and I know that it will get better as they do so. Much of what I say here will hopefully not apply at all one day, and it's completely understandable that they need time to reach that point.
Problem 1: Multiple instances of the same program.
In the past, this was simple. Go to it in the start menu and click it again. Now, I have to look up a new set of key-click combinations or run a new search in the start screen every time I want multiple instances of the same program. This forces me into a mobile interface on desktop, and lowers my productivity by making me stop and relearn a set of shortcuts. Sure, they're not that complicated, but people don't just sit around memorizing things just for the fun of it, and the fact that we need to means a downgrade in usability and productivity.
(https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/e9fd8b8a-bc5f-48a8-9e18-6da070c0caec/how-to-run-multiple-instances-of-the-same-application-from-the-metro-interface?forum=w8itproappcompat)
Problem 2: The start screen forces me into a mobile interface.
Simplistic, blocky interfaces aren't so much attractive on mobile and touch screen devices as they're necessary. We tolerate them because they make the device easier to use. However, that does not automatically mean that such interfaces are aesthetically pleasing nor the most useful. The entire point of such interfaces is to overcome the limitations of a touch screen interface, so by forcing desktop users to use that kind of interface is in general a downgrade in usability and productivity.
Problem 3: Windows 8 sends to Microsoft everything we locally search.
The problem with this isn't a matter of privacy paranoia, but rather economics. ISPs today are setting artificial resource limitations to price gouge for profit. That is, data caps. When we exceed these caps, we pay. This isn't a big deal for those who don't stream anything, don't update anything, and don't download any new programs or tools. Now, on top of this, we have an OS that uses bandwidth every time we need to find a program we haven't pinned. Microsoft is effectively spending our money for us. It's inconsiderate.
Problem 4: Functionality isn't everything.
Innovation has revolved around the concept of making things easier to do. If you have two devices that do the same thing but one is easier to use, which will you prefer? So, in general, making things harder to do and pushing everybody to learn something new and more complicated does not innovate. It does exactly the opposite. Furthermore, see item 2 again. The aesthetics of the operating system are sacrificed at the same time, which means on desktop it's all a gigantic step backward.
Problem 5: The new paradigm has a negative impact on consumer perceptions.
The absolute best way for Microsoft to introduce the changes we've seen with Windows 8 would have been to make them optional at the moment of installation. We could then have chosen the interface that best suits our device. Maybe by changing Windows components and features, we could have even made changes later, say, if we bought a touch screen. Instead, Microsoft forced these changed on every desktop user with reason to upgrade and not only have they not cared what any of us think, but they've hired public relations firms to aggressively treat us like shit for having our own opinions. Everything about the first step of this transition has been inconsiderate and disrespectful.
Problem 6: Nothing about the new Windows features is necessary.
I've used Windows 8 for about a year and a half. At one point, my metro apps quick working, and Windows advised me to refresh my PC from installation disc. That would have then involved time sacrificed to updates and reconfiguration. I didn't do it. I still haven't. And there is nothing at all about metro