What you want to see in the Consumer Preview of Windows 8

Coke Robot

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This here is a thread to discuss what you'd like to see in the next phase of Windows 8.

To start off, I would love better system personalization options to customize both Desktop and Start Screen.

I'd want to see a commanding, consolidated PC Settings panel to change EVERY setting, both metro and non metro.

Maybe either a) ditch Windows Media Player or b) make WMP more like Zune or c) make Windows Media Center the one and only media player that looks like Zune

Better Live Tile updates

A Kinekt that can be used for the Desktop (Minority Report anyone?)

Allow for DPI customizations for the Start Screen

Having the Lock Screen background used as the Boot Screen.

Facial recognition

Better speech controls

A better working Charms Bar

Get rid of the black background on the Start button

Get rid of the huge time display when you hover over the Start button

Make the sidebar slightly smaller and be able to customize what settings you'd like

This comes back to the days of Windows Longhorn's sidebar, but maybe choosing to ditch the system tray icons in favor for the sidebar

Instant Viewer built in for Windows 8

Live Window resizing

More pinnable items on the Taskbar

Potentially running metro apps on the Desktop in chromeless windows

Making the metro apps have window controls

Get rid on window control buttons for window control icons

A metro styled Windows Explorer

ReFS for the client OS builds

And yada yada yada.......

What do you guys what to see?
 

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System Reset and System Refresh not needing the installation media to perform.

Improvements on Windows Media Center

A better Modern Reader for viewing PDF files.

A separate button for Metro and the Start Menu.

A built-in ability to make pictures as the Metro screen background.

Window control for Metro apps and a proper power button on the side of the Metro screen.

Better diagnosis of computer problems.

Better built-in security features.

And a built-in ability to clean up obsolete elements in the computer filesystem and the Registry though that is not very likely to happen.
 

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A separate button for Metro and the Start Menu.

A built-in ability to make pictures as the Metro screen background.

Greight
 

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I've been reading that Microsoft won't allow picture backgrounds on the Start Screen due to tiles covering up most of the background, and the background would be stretched out and distorted. From their perspective, that is true. And also, the tiles would really cover it all up.

I suggest, Aero Tiles. Build of the Aero transparency effects, and make glassy tiles. That way, apps can still have their own colors, and program links can still be in their system color, but with an opaqueness to them so a picture background would work.

I still say, for desktops at least, that the Desktop background should be the background for the Start Screen, but blacked out a bit, or washed out to put the tiles at the center of attention. I could work.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    ASUS
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    AMD FX 8320
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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
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    16 gig DDR3
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    ASUS R9 270
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    1440x900
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    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
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    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Maybe having a setting in Personalization to use a custom background for both Desktop and Lock Screens, and for Start Screen as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
For those who don't know what Instant Viewer is of the Microsoft Touch Mouse....with one touch gesture, I can see all my open windows and even apps in Windows 8. I think this should be integrated for 8 for touch and desktop.

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
they could you know add back some of the old menu structure....

as much as i enjoy spending an age searching for this crap i am in a job where i know full well i'll spend far to much time answering even more stupid questions about this os....it's about as user friendly as a space shuttle manual.
 

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My wild imagination is that if the price of touch screen monitors are as cheap as the conventional.
Then I won't have much objection to whatever MS makes to its Windows version.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built system
    CPU
    Core i5
    Motherboard
    Intel DH55PJ
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI 4650
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Integrated
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    LG Flatron L1742S; LG Flatron 19"; Samsung TV 48"
    Screen Resolution
    1280:1024; 1366:768;1920:1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 256 GB
    Seagate Barracuda 500 GB
    WDC 1 TB
    PSU
    Power
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    Simbadda
    Cooling
    Conventional
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    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    1.4 MBPS
    Other Info
    External HDD WDC 2 TB
    Dial Up Modem Huawei
    Home-made Home Theater
My wild imagination is that if the price of touch screen monitors are as cheap as the conventional.
Then I won't have much objection to whatever MS makes to its Windows version.


Capacitive touch screen monitors are not that expensive, the addition would add only about $40 to $60 dollars to the price of the monitor. However, you are not going to use them. Try touching your monitor to select commands and data consistently (either in a laptop or a desktop) over a number of hours and your shoulders will start aching very soon. Furthermore, it is a remarkably slow method of issuing commands and selecting and manipulating data. Just check how cut and paste works in tablets and smartphones and you would understand.

On handheld devices, touch is mandatory simply because there are hardly any other methods of entry (at least in current smartphones) and because we are used to use our fingers with such devices. I believe that manufacturers will add touch in desktops and laptops just to meet a spec but users are not really going to use them simply because they are incovenient.
 

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  • OS
    windows 7
My wild imagination is that if the price of touch screen monitors are as cheap as the conventional.
Then I won't have much objection to whatever MS makes to its Windows version.


Capacitive touch screen monitors are not that expensive, the addition would add only about $40 to $60 dollars to the price of the monitor. However, you are not going to use them. Try touching your monitor to select commands and data consistently (either in a laptop or a desktop) over a number of hours and your shoulders will start aching very soon. Furthermore, it is a remarkably slow method of issuing commands and selecting and manipulating data. Just check how cut and paste works in tablets and smartphones and you would understand.

On handheld devices, touch is mandatory simply because there are hardly any other methods of entry (at least in current smartphones) and because we are used to use our fingers with such devices. I believe that manufacturers will add touch in desktops and laptops just to meet a spec but users are not really going to use them simply because they are incovenient.

Some people would like touch monitors, as you said, the PC has multiple input devices to use.

I don't see manufacturers using touch monitors everywhere. ASUS has reportedly integrated the Kinect's motion sensor into one of their laptops. I see that being used. It's different, it's new. It's potentionally better than touch on a desktop. I mean, honestly, with new input devices in the game, we could see OSs being designed to be much more dynamic and more natural for natural interactions with our enviornment.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Thanks for the response Guys.

I didn't have much experience with TC monitors. I did try with one HP product on my WDP, didn't know what was wrong but the touching sensitivity were to low, inaccurate, (priced twice as normal one) I did calibrate the touch but still unable to gain better work. So it is now stay as my pending experiment.

I Actually need some of it to be installed in emergency department in which the doctors and nurses will reduce a pinching difficulties on the mouse and keyboard in given emergency situations. They will easily pick up which patient on the screen before aiming the bar-code reader to any medicines or medical supplies they take from the cabinet. For the time being I consider using touch pen as temporary solution. (but it has to be tightly chained to the monitor as someone might accidentally throw it away and makes other coworkers shout out in an anger). :D

For daily office work, all combined peripherals are OK to me. I have my screen upside down and almost flat at my desk, and set the screen rotated 180 degree. Fun at work I guess. ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built system
    CPU
    Core i5
    Motherboard
    Intel DH55PJ
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI 4650
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Flatron L1742S; LG Flatron 19"; Samsung TV 48"
    Screen Resolution
    1280:1024; 1366:768;1920:1080
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    SSD 256 GB
    Seagate Barracuda 500 GB
    WDC 1 TB
    PSU
    Power
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    Simbadda
    Cooling
    Conventional
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    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    1.4 MBPS
    Other Info
    External HDD WDC 2 TB
    Dial Up Modem Huawei
    Home-made Home Theater
Thanks for the response Guys.

I didn't have much experience with TC monitors. I did try with one HP product on my WDP, didn't know what was wrong but the touching sensitivity were to low, inaccurate, (priced twice as normal one) I did calibrate the touch but still unable to gain better work. So it is now stay as my pending experiment.

I Actually need some of it to be installed in emergency department in which the doctors and nurses will reduce a pinching difficulties on the mouse and keyboard in given emergency situations. They will easily pick up which patient on the screen before aiming the bar-code reader to any medicines or medical supplies they take from the cabinet. For the time being I consider using touch pen as temporary solution. (but it has to be tightly chained to the monitor as someone might accidentally throw it away and makes other coworkers shout out in an anger). :D

For daily office work, all combined peripherals are OK to me. I have my screen upside down and almost flat at my desk, and set the screen rotated 180 degree. Fun at work I guess. ;)

I think I once used an HP touch monitor running Windows 7. It felt off some. I think it's not a capacitative touch monitor, probably resistive. Sony has those true touch monitors out there. They are great!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
A change on the Password screen to remove "Submit" (Resistance is useless!!!!) and put any other equivalent word.
 

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    6Gb
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    ASUS VW246H, Samsing Syncmaster 2233, Samsung Syncmaster T200HD
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    2 x 500Gb
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    Coolermaster Silent Pro M700
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    NOX
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    Logitech Marble
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    10Mbps
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    Dell Inspiron 1501 with Win 8 CP 32 Bit - flying along!
I think I once used an HP touch monitor running Windows 7. It felt off some. I think it's not a capacitative touch monitor, probably resistive. Sony has those true touch monitors out there. They are great!

I have our IT staffs are making their effort to find better touch-screen monitor with fair price. Hope they will report it sooner.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built system
    CPU
    Core i5
    Motherboard
    Intel DH55PJ
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI 4650
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Flatron L1742S; LG Flatron 19"; Samsung TV 48"
    Screen Resolution
    1280:1024; 1366:768;1920:1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 256 GB
    Seagate Barracuda 500 GB
    WDC 1 TB
    PSU
    Power
    Case
    Simbadda
    Cooling
    Conventional
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    1.4 MBPS
    Other Info
    External HDD WDC 2 TB
    Dial Up Modem Huawei
    Home-made Home Theater
A brand new, pretty sound scheme!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I would like an extra copy and paste. Like copy 1 and copy 2 so your clipboard could save more and make life a little easier.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
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    Asus Home built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 Black Edition 965
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A97 Evo
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 4GBx2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5890
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Asus IPS HDMI + 2 x ViewSonic VE710s-2
    Screen Resolution
    3840x1024
Maybe an ability to remove the upper bar from windows.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 7 x64 Home Premium / Commodore OS Vision / Windows 8 Release preview
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    AMD Athlon x2 Dual Core 7750 BE 2,7Ghz (2/4)
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    Asus M2N-e
    Memory
    4Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    GIGABYTE (ATI) Radeon HD 6870 (1Gb)
    Sound Card
    Do i have one?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2
    Screen Resolution
    1x HD1080 1x SXGA
    Hard Drives
    1x Samsung 500 Gb
    1x Samsung 30 Gb
    1x LaCie 1Tb Hard drive.
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    Antec 500W
    Case
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    3 fans + psu and cpu + gpu
    Keyboard
    Logitech G19
    Mouse
    CM Storm Xornet
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    Look, what i've created... just a few visits at the recyclement center was enough...
I want to see a cleaner scroll bar. This is such a redundant overlooked feature that needs something nicer. I don't like the three hash marks on the scroll bar.

I do like the Zune Software's scroll bar, it's simple, clean and metro....oooohh....:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Better benchmarking native software would be good too. WEI is OK but something that is on par with futuremark would be nice
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Home built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 Black Edition 965
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A97 Evo
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 4GBx2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5890
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Asus IPS HDMI + 2 x ViewSonic VE710s-2
    Screen Resolution
    3840x1024
@Coke Robot
Yeah, like OS X. Like the idea!
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro, Mac OS X Mavericks (Hackintosh), Ubuntu 14.04
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom (Mostly Asus)
    CPU
    Intel i7 - 4 Core 8 Thread 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77-V LK
    Memory
    16GB RipJaw
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia ASUS GTX770
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23.5"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB (Windows 8.1 Pro)
    500GB (Mac OS X Mavericks Hackintosh)
    80GB (Ubuntu 14.04)
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG 2014 Business Edition
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