14 DAY TRIAL // Now that Windows 10 for phones preview is finally up for grabs (and it can even be installed on all Lumia models with a small hack), everyone can give it a try and see what's to come in the next mobile operating system from Microsoft.
Unsurprisingly, there are lots of things that users want to be changed until the final version of the OS comes out, and one of them is the hamburger menu that becomes a more common feature of Windows for phones.
Borrowed from Android, the hamburger menu first debuted on Windows Phone a few months ago with the release of a new OneDrive app, which Microsoft updated once again soon after that to address complaints.
Basically, the hamburger icon was implemented to replace the traditional three-dot symbol that Microsoft was using to provide users with access to more settings, but surprisingly, many of those who gave it a try were rather disappointed with this change. Some accused Redmond of copying Android, others found it really unhandy, but only few liked it.
The same is happening in Windows 10 for phones preview's case too. The hamburger menu is being used for new apps that are added to the OS, including the revamped Calculator and Photos app and File Explorer. All three come with a hamburger-style menu but also with the three-dot icon at the bottom of their screens.
Thousands of votes to remove it
Microsoft wants to develop Windows 10 for PCs and phones with help from users, so the company launched several platforms to collect feedback from those who try out its early builds of the operating systems. Unsurprisingly, many took to these services to complain about the hamburger menu.
A post on UserVoice received more than 2,300 votes in less than 30 days and is very likely to get even more following the launch of Windows 10 for phones preview.
“Aesthetically the triple dot is cleaner, takes up less screen space and really isn't that hard to get used to even if you're coming from another platform. If Microsoft really wants to stick with the burger for the sake of cross-platform accessibility, perhaps give the rest of us an option to turn it off?” one user posted.
Obviously, there are ways to make the hamburger menu better for users, and a Reddit post suggests that making it more like the one on BlackBerry could help in this regard.
But in the meantime, Microsoft seems be really keen on keeping the hamburger icon around in Windows 10 for phones, so it remains to be seen if future updates could bring any change for those who like the three-dot symbol more.
