14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8 Beta will sport a range of enhancements compared to Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) including tweaks to the core user experience, especially around the evolution of the platform’s interface.
Microsoft is definitely listening to feedback provided by early adopters testing the Windows Developer Preview release, planning to introduce changes in the Beta development milestone of Windows 8.
Case in point: the new design of the app showcase experience associated with the Windows 8 Start Screen.
Users can get a taste of the upcoming apps screen by looking at the screenshot provided by Microsoft, but there’s no way for them to try it today.
As Windows 8 Developer Preview testers know, the functionality displayed in the image is not available in Build 8102 M3.
This “is our latest design of the Apps screen, which would add back the structure that you’re used to with folders in All Programs today,” revealed Marina Dukhon, a senior program manager lead on the Core Experience team.
The software giant will change the current way in which Windows 8 displays all applications installed. In the Developer Preview apps are simply listed alphabetically, in an exhaustive list, and Windows 8 doesn’t provide any clues as to the relations between programs.
This will change, the Redmond company promises, and as noted before, early adopters will most probably get a chance to test this experience with the Beta.
“You can see here that, as in the Start menu, suites of apps are now organized in groups, instead of in one alphabetical list. This way, if you are looking for something that you know came in your Visual Studio suite, but can’t recall the exact name of the app, it should be much easier for you to find,” Dukhon said.
“And your alphabetical list should no longer be cluttered with app tiles that have obscure names because the developer was relying on the folder name to convey the actual name of the executable.”
As the screenshot reveals, applications are no longer listed only in an alphabetical order, but also grouped together in relevant collections.
This makes it easier for users to find a certain program installed together with a number of apps in a software suite, without requiring them to remember a name.
“In addition to adding folder structure to this screen and organizing apps within their respective suites, we are also making this view denser. Fitting even more content helps you see what your computer has installed at a glance and decreases the need to scroll,” Dukhon added.
“It also decreases the need to navigate a wrapping menu structure or maintain folders or nested folders of programs. With this design, we improved the scannability of your system, giving you confidence about what is on it at any given time.”
Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) is available for download here.