Do you use Metro?

[FlyGuy]

Hey,
I have been using Windows 8 since it was released in 2012. I have found myself never using the metro interface or any Windows Store apps. I was wondering if anyone here has accustom themselves to using metro or Windows Apps now that we have had time to get used to it. I personally only use it to connect to wifi, shutdown/restart/sleep and Asphalt 8. I also think it is impractical to use both on a daily basis. Does anyone use both metro and the desktop for tasks aside from connecting to wifi and shutdowning/restarting/sleeping?

[pizzaboy192]

I personally use the Metro environment for a large portion of the system apps and having them snapped to the side of my normal desktop. Mail, calendar, etc all work very well in this configuration and operate as expected, allowing me to have some information while also doing work.

I do use the desktop quite a bit though. Outlook is my primary email\organization application, Firefox is my browser, etc.

I feel I'll end up using it more when more apps become universal between Windows Phone and Windows, as I'll be syncing data between my phone and my PC, and having the same app in multiple places.

[notsure]

I really only use the Metro Mail app. Besides that, I use the classic desktop environment.

[FlyGuy]

I really only use the Metro Mail app. Besides that, I use the classic desktop environment.

I use the mail app just so it will show me how many messages I have on my lock screen. Although when I check mail I just go to Chrome.

I personally use the Metro environment for a large portion of the system apps and having them snapped to the side of my normal desktop. Mail, calendar, etc all work very well in this configuration and operate as expected, allowing me to have some information while also doing work.

I do use the desktop quite a bit though. Outlook is my primary email\organization application, Firefox is my browser, etc.

I feel I'll end up using it more when more apps become universal between Windows Phone and Windows, as I'll be syncing data between my phone and my PC, and having the same app in multiple places.

I never considered the part about the universal apps between phone and computer. That would make a lot of sense though and would probably become a positive push for me to start using metro.

[Bakuchris]

I also don't use any of the metro applications, as most of the programs I needed were software that I had to install. but then again I've stopped using Windows 8 recently.

[louisw3]

lol... no. never. I didn't like it on the beta, and don't see the point now. It's an "OK" ui for a phone, but windows phone has so many issues that the UI is only a small part of it's massive failure.

[FlyGuy]

lol... no. never. I didn't like it on the beta, and don't see the point now. It's an "OK" ui for a phone, but windows phone has so many issues that the UI is only a small part of it's massive failure.

Yeah, while the Windows phone is decent I am going to end up ditching it. Even if it means I disconnect myself from Microsoft's "ecosystem". While universal apps are neat there are other things about Windows phone that I don't like.

[lolman555PL]

I like Metro, and i use it. I like the Music app, and the Games app. Also, when i'm bored, i download some free games from Windows Store. I love Asphalt 8, and it supports Xbox 360 controller! And i love Windows 8(.1), because in my case i don't need to care about drivers, it installs and updates them automatically!

[Windows_OS_X_Wheezy]

Yup. Love it. Have a Nokia Lumia and a Windows 8 PC. Love the UI on both. But I would have preferred it if Nokia stayed with Meego or Symbian...

[Marcello]

On the rare occasion I do use windows, I'll use metro, although that only goes as far as using the Start screen; I don't really use any Metro apps.

When I first got Windows 8.1 I used the Xbox music player, pinned to the side of the desktop, however, I grew quite frustrated with some aspects the bloody thing and gave up on it.

Personally, Fullscreen isn't my thing, even in OSX, I rarely bring an app up to fullscreen unless I'm working on something in Logic Pro on my laptop and need all the screen real estate I can get.


That said, for whatever reason, I have no issue whatsoever with the Start Screen. The front page is much more organize-able than the Start menu, although the All Apps part can get hella cluttered when programs install a bunch of shortcuts to web pages and uninstallers.

[MSStyler]

no more than this

[Skywatcher]

I try to avoid it as much as possible on my desktop PC. Obviously I use it on my Surface Pro. Although I do have StartIsBack installed across all of my devices, including the Surface Pro.

[john11]

windows phone has so many issues that the UI is only a small part of it's massive failure.

Windows Phone 8.1 is shaping out to be very good in my opinion. I don't see any problems with the phone OS, or the UI. Apart from syncing all my contacts and other information without my consent and without any option to turn it off.

On my laptop I don't use Metro, I've made it start to desktop, and most of the software I use is on desktop, or quicklaunch. Occasionally I do need to go to start screen if I need some program I don't have a shortcut to, but I never use any apps.

Main problem I have with Windows 8 is the fact that I linked it to my account. I liked the idea at first, but I don't particularily want my username to be my full name. And I don't want to have to input a pin/password on start up, I don't need a lock screen, since I never take this PC out of the house.

[FlyGuy]

windows phone has so many issues that the UI is only a small part of it's massive failure.

Windows Phone 8.1 is shaping out to be very good in my opinion. I don't see any problems with the phone OS, or the UI. Apart from syncing all my contacts and other information without my consent and without any option to turn it off.

On my laptop I don't use Metro, I've made it start to desktop, and most of the software I use is on desktop, or quicklaunch. Occasionally I do need to go to start screen if I need some program I don't have a shortcut to, but I never use any apps.

Main problem I have with Windows 8 is the fact that I linked it to my account. I liked the idea at first, but I don't particularily want my username to be my full name. And I don't want to have to input a pin/password on start up, I don't need a lock screen, since I never take this PC out of the house.

You can create a local account for Windows that is not linked to your MS account go to the metro settings then the account tab and under "Your Account" you should be able to switch it to a local account.

[FlyGuy]

On the rare occasion I do use windows, I'll use metro, although that only goes as far as using the Start screen; I don't really use any Metro apps.

When I first got Windows 8.1 I used the Xbox music player, pinned to the side of the desktop, however, I grew quite frustrated with some aspects the bloody thing and gave up on it.

Personally, Fullscreen isn't my thing, even in OSX, I rarely bring an app up to fullscreen unless I'm working on something in Logic Pro on my laptop and need all the screen real estate I can get.


That said, for whatever reason, I have no issue whatsoever with the Start Screen. The front page is much more organize-able than the Start menu, although the All Apps part can get hella cluttered when programs install a bunch of shortcuts to web pages and uninstallers.

I agree, they need a way to make folders collapsible or something so you don't get those extra useless items that are put in the start menu along with the main application.

[john11]

You can create a local account for Windows that is not linked to your MS account go to the metro settings then the account tab and under "Your Account" you should be able to switch it to a local account.

Yeah, I know that, but then it will no longer be linked, which is what I originally wanted. I might end up unlinking anyway, since I don't really use Metro apps. Also, I know others who have local accounts, and when they use apps, like the Mail app, they often get popups from MS to link the account, which is annoying. Also, when updating to Windows 8.1, they had to disconnect from the internet in order to create a local account, and the only way to find that out was to do some research. There was no option for it when connected to the internet. Clearly MS is planning on eventually moving the OS to the cloud, and is preparing people for that, kind of sad in my opinion.

[ryanch94]

I have it hidden as much as possible except the start button links straight to the all apps menu instead of the start screen itself.

[DJ Deedahx]

Well, I do use Metro most of the time, although I do use Pokki. I don't use Pokki very much, however, because it is resource-consuming like crazy.

[FlyGuy]

You can create a local account for Windows that is not linked to your MS account go to the metro settings then the account tab and under "Your Account" you should be able to switch it to a local account.

Yeah, I know that, but then it will no longer be linked, which is what I originally wanted. I might end up unlinking anyway, since I don't really use Metro apps. Also, I know others who have local accounts, and when they use apps, like the Mail app, they often get popups from MS to link the account, which is annoying. Also, when updating to Windows 8.1, they had to disconnect from the internet in order to create a local account, and the only way to find that out was to do some research. There was no option for it when connected to the internet. Clearly MS is planning on eventually moving the OS to the cloud, and is preparing people for that, kind of sad in my opinion.

Yeah, for some reason it seems that every week my mail app forgets the login info. That is why I don't use it.

[FlyGuy]

Well, I do use Metro most of the time, although I do use Pokki. I don't use Pokki very much, however, because it is resource-consuming like crazy.

Judging from your profile picture I assume you use chrome. Do you prefer the metro version or the normal version?

[matt95110]

I used Windows 8 since the Developer Preview and I actually like the Metro environment. I also own a Surface RT and a Windows Phone. I don't understand why people are so opposed to it.

[FlyGuy]

I used Windows 8 since the Developer Preview and I actually like the Metro environment. I also own a Surface RT and a Windows Phone. I don't understand why people are so opposed to it.

In my case I am not opposed of it I just don't see the use of it in a desktop environment.

[matt95110]

I used Windows 8 since the Developer Preview and I actually like the Metro environment. I also own a Surface RT and a Windows Phone. I don't understand why people are so opposed to it.

In my case I am not opposed of it I just don't see the use of it in a desktop environment.

As mentioned by someone else in this thread, I too find the snap feature very handy on the desktop. I like being able to keep the Music player off to one side at all times and other apps like Music.

[WARBLOOD]

I use Start8 Or start is back, forget Metro its useless. My favorite is Start8 its a great program, even though its a small fee.

[FlyGuy]

I use Start8 Or start is back, forget Metro its useless. My favorite is Start8 its a great program, even though its a small fee.

With all do respect, why pay for a start menu when you can get a free one?