14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is working to bring back the Start menu in Windows sometime in the near future, but the developers behind the popular Start Menu Reviver app are ready to launch a new version of their third-party solution which could really make Windows 8 a much more appealing OS.
Start Menu Reviver already comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it easier to perform certain tasks, such as launching your favorite apps and shutting down the computer, but version 2.0 is meant to make everything a lot better.
At least, that’s what we can tell from the existing screenshots and videos that are available right now on the developer’s websites.
Start Menu Reviver 2, which is still a work in progress right now but should launch on May 1, was created with the help of Jay Machalani, the design behind the “Fixing Windows 8” concept that reached the web a few months ago.
The new version of the application comes with a refined user interface featuring an optimized design that’s more appropriate for Windows 8 and gets in line with the Modern design style implemented by Microsoft in October 2012 when it officially launched the new operating system.
At the same time, Start Menu Reviver 2 comes with a Windows 7 mode that removes the modern design elements and sticks to the classic layout available in Windows 7. Tiles are also part of the design, and you can now add 64 different items, with scrolling support offered for easier navigation.
A search box is also there to quickly look for the information you need from the Start menu, and so is a power option that enables users to reboot or shut down their computers easily.
Start Menu Reviver 2 will also support adding websites as tiles, so you can directly access services such as Facebook, Gmail, or Softpedia straight from the Start menu, without first opening your browser. Of course, all websites will be loaded in the default browser.
The application will continue to be offered free of charge to everyone and will come with support for both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 in 32- and 64-bit versions. There’s no word on any improvement for Windows 8.1 Update, but expect the application to work flawlessly on this OS version as well.
As usual, Softpedia will review the app very soon, so keep an eye on our news section to find out more about the upcoming update of Start Menu Reviver.
