14 DAY TRIAL // Even though Microsoft has tried to address the lack of a Start button in Windows 8.1, this particular feature continues to make the headlines, especially because consumers still can't get used to an OS without it.
There is no doubt that Start Menu apps remain incredibly popular and developers know this very well. Plenty of companies have tried to make the most of this opportunity by creating their own Start Menu replacements, thus trying to make Windows 8 a much more familiar working environment.
Start Menu 8, designed by IObit, is currently one of the top choices, bringing a powerful feature package and easy to use features. To learn more about the building process of such an app, we had a chat with Yue Jun, one of the developers behind Start Menu 8. Jun shared several untold details on IObit's app, as well as some interesting thoughts on Windows 8.1 and the new Start button.
Softpedia: Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us some details about your role in the development process of the app.
Yue Jun: Hello, this is Yue Jun, the team leader of developers of Start Menu 8 from IObit Technology. I have been a developer of system tools for Windows for nearly 8 years. I have ever joined the development of Advanced Systemcare and IObit Malware Fighter. Last 2 years I turned my attention to Windows 8 and works on Start Menu.
Softpedia: Windows 8 is the first Windows version that does not come with a Start button and many believe that the poor early performance of the operating system is more or less caused by this change. What do you think about this?
YJ: Honestly, I really like the design and big changes in Windows 8. We can’t deny that Windows 8’s interface is amazing. But I still miss the Start Button like most users. Microsoft team may want to show users something different and amazing. But it seems that this becomes a challenge of users’ habit which makes their situation not so good, I think.
Softpedia: Your own Start Menu app is supposed to make the operating system much more familiar and help users get around the platform. How important is for beginners to have such an application installed on their new Windows 8 computers?
YJ: Users have been familiar with start button and Start Menu since they first used Windows. It has become a very important part of their habit. During our investigation, we found that users may feel frustrated when they first get into Windows 8.
They may not find the most-used applications, they may not found where to start their search. It’s a sad thing that you cannot find what you want. At that moment, they would like something that can really help.
Softpedia: Start Menu apps have experienced a terrific success since Windows 8 first hit the market. Can you share some download stats for your own program?
YJ: Since its release, we got a lot of feedback which let us know that we have done something really useful. That’s our original purpose. Now Start Menu 8 is supporting for more than 5 million computers. I want to say “Thank you” to our users who give this good score to us.
Softpedia: There are lots of Start Menu apps available right now, so why should users download and install your own tool?
YJ: Start Menu 8 is not perfect. It follows the constant style of IObit products, Easy-to-use. Users can easily switch between Metro and desktop interface, and get quick access to the programs and files when they want. And its new version is coming soon. It will have support for Windows 8 and show some interesting features.
Softpedia: Windows 8.1 does bring back the Start button, but many users are actually complaining that it doesn’t make much sense since it doesn’t launch a Start Menu. What do you think?
YJ: It’s too early to judge this new change. We care about users’ thoughts. I use Windows 8 on my family computer. In my own opinion, it’s still not convenient for our daily life and work without start menu. I still hope there would be a start menu which will help me much.
Softpedia: The Start Screen. Good or bad?
YJ: Every coin has two sides. The Start Screen is doing something, but it’s not enough. You know that users usually expect high standards from big companies like Microsoft. Windows 8 users may look forward to a better one.
Softpedia: How do you plan to improve your Start Menu app in the future? Do you have any other projects in mind for Windows 8/8.1 users?
YJ: Start Menu 8 V2 is in our release plan. Besides the support for both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, we plan to add some interesting functions to this new version.
It will bring faster search for files & applications, more user-defined options, customized right-click menu, easy switch between Metro Screen and Desktop, even convenient management of your software. I believe you can find more when you are using it.
Softpedia: A message for our readers?
YJ: All I want to say is “Thank you”. Keep an eye on Start Menu 8. You will find we are doing the things that you want.