Whole Windows 8 screen is a 'Start button': Ballmer

A common and handy feature found in versions of the Mircosoft Windows operating system was the Start button. However, the Start button does not exist in Microsoft's latest OS, Windows 8. In an interview with the Associated Press (AP), Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, said the Start button was absent because the whole screen can act as the Start button.

The AP report states that one of the biggest changes with Windows 8 is the disappearance of the familiar Start button at the lower left corner of the screen. There is a new screen filled with a colourful array of tiles, each leading to a different application, task, or collection of files. After his keynote in New York on Thursday, Ballmer was asked by AP whether there was any chance of bringing the Start button back. His reply was, "You've got a whole screen as a start button". It's a reference to the screen of tiles. The author of the AP report added that during the presentation, a Microsoft executive had noted that the Start button was something people had to get used to when it was first introduced, suggesting that people will get used to the tile format too.

The whole screen acts like the Start button

Microsoft announced yesterday the global availability of its latest Windows operating system, Windows 8. From today, Windows 8 goes on sale for consumers and businesses. Windows 8 has a new user interface (UI), and a range of applications. Also announced was the opening of the Windows Store. As a result of work with hardware partners, more than 1,000 certified PCs and tablets, including Microsoft Surface, will be available for the launch of Windows 8 — making it the best line-up of PCs ever across the Windows 8 and Windows RT ecosystem.

“We have reimagined Windows and the result is a stunning lineup of new PCs,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Windows 8 brings together the best of the PC and the tablet. It works perfect for work and play and it is alive with your world. Every one of our customers will find a PC that they will absolutely love.”

Windows 8 will be available for download to upgrade existing PCs in more than 140 markets and 37 languages today beginning at 12:01 a.m. local time, and at retail locations around the world. At retail stores, Windows 8 will be available in two primary versions — Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, as well as Windows 8 Enterprise for large organisations. Launched at the same time was a new member of the Windows family, Windows RT, which is designed for ARM-based tablets and is pre-installed on new devices. In addition to Microsoft Office 2013, Windows RT is designed exclusively for apps in the new Windows Store. Windows 8 features the new start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they use the most. It also features an entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is designed for touch and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.

Via Associated Press