Metro is not just a pretty face for Microsoft

[lumic]

Jeez, I read the title as "Metro is just not a pretty face for Microsoft". Shouldn't have spent 10 minutes on Engadget today.

 

[Zumanity]

Microsoft is often looked at as a company who copies ideas from competitors, when in all honesty, they were the first ones to start many of the things we value and love today. There is a popular nick-name for Microsoft, and one I often enjoy using. It's Microsloth. This term actually has some accuracy in its usage. The reason is because while Microsoft certainly does not copy from other competitors, they are one of the slowest companies to introduce new ideas in new markets, or take on new products. It's how Microsoft has defined their image in this age, for better or for worst.

Metro is something new. Microsoft's aim with Metro is to introduce their products as "different" and get away from that sea of sameness that is out there with the competitors (such as the iOS Android grid design, and the vast differences in Android design on different devices). This might be their main advertising line and you might say "yeah yeah, I've heard it before", but I actually believe this is the reason they are doing it. There is the thought that they are trying to integrate all of their hardware/software in a uniform fashion, and this is true. But they could have stuck with their normal design or a different one to accomplish that. The reason they chose metro is because it's fresh, relevant, and looks modern. Also, you might say that they would be having the "sameness" that they complain about in competitor devices if they adopt this Metro uniformity. The thing with Metro is that it's customizable in it's own right, so that devices might have metro, but will never really look the same.

It's a look that is visually appealing to many, it's a look that is easy to use, and the most important factor is that it's a look that has no comparison to competitors what so ever. It's a new face for Microsoft, as they move away from that factually wrong image of "copiers". Competitors such as Sony (PS systems), Apple (iPod, Phones, Software, Computers), Android (phones), Sun, etc etc have thrived in our markets because they took on Microsoft, not in the way of offering superior products (although some products are great), but in the way of differentiating themselves from Microsoft and attaching the label of sameness/clunky/slow to Microsoft. Microsoft was and still is the top leader in software and other areas, but they find themselves stuck with this horrid image of "copier" "slow" "virus" etc etc, you name it. Microsoft is now sticking some of those labels to it's competitors (grid icons, going in and out of apps, etc), and touting it's new fresh eco-system (that is really great) with the Metro face.

For my own personal opinion, I'm giving the chance to see how Microsoft does with this Metro implementation. So far the future looks good.

I personally enjoy the Microsoft Ecosystem, having a WP7 phone and Vista computer (although I have a Macbook Pro, just to experience all sides), and can't wait to see how Windows 8 and my eventual Xbox + Kinect enhance that experience even more.

I really encourage everyone to share their experiences with Metro. If you agree, tell us why. If you don't, tell us why as well!

 

[cdook]

I'm a minimalist so I'm actually a pretty big fan of Metro. The interface is simple and clean, but at the same time just as powerful as any competitor.

I had a 2nd Gen Zune so it's interesting to see how Metro evolved over time and eventually became the look of Microsoft for all their products. I hope they keep this style around for a long time to come.

 

[anon(5335877)]

I quite like it, I actually owned the Zune HD and it was a great device. I loved how it was made of metal, and the screen was gorgeous. If I remember correctly, I think it was one of the few devices out there (including mobile phones) that had an OLED display.

As for Metro, I like it. It's different. I'm a bit of a minimalist probably because of Apple, and Windows Phone and Metro is like taking that one step further. I really enjoy simple, I mean, why make things complicated if they don't need to be?