StarDock releases ModernMix for Windows 8

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    Internet Explorer 11
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Although personally, I don't know if I would use that as some apps don't really need to be windowed. They're more like, see an update on the tile, open it up, glance through content and then close it. Some apps like news readers generally I think should be used as an immersive app. Immersive IE 10 however, yes that should be windowed. OneNote MX, probably windowed as well, or at least a 50/50 snap view.
 

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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
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    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    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
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
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    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
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    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
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    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
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    Microsoft Touch Mouse
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    Internet Explorer 11
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    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Nice to see they did it. +1 to Stardock.

Wonder why Microsoft left this out (as choice/option on desktop) in the first place (because is was expected that people complain about unresizable windows). No so big deal in the end if you get used to the interface.

But personally I don't need this on my machine: small screen and few apps.

Anyway, 8 runs Gr8 here as well.
 

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    That's basically it.
Downloaded (paid for) and up and running. If you are looking for a program that will make your Modern Apps run like desktop programs then this is the way to go. The trail version is only half-assed so I went with the full paid and it works as advertized.

Good thus far. . .knock on wood. . .:D

This should have been posted as "News" that way this information would get out to more folks who are looking for new ways to help improve their work in win 8.
 
Last edited:

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Downloaded (paid for) and up and running. If you are looking for a program that will make your Modern Apps run like desktop programs then this is the way to go. The trail version is only half-assed so I went with the full paid and it works as advertized.

Good thus far. . .knock on wood. . .:D

This should have been posted as "News" that way this information would get out to more folks who are looking for new ways to help improve their work in win 8.

This was in the News section, but got moved...
 

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
Wow! Saying this is just a nice app completely underestimates it. I haven't it installed ten minutes yet and I couldn't recommend it more highly. Windows should be shouting from the rooftops about how good this is for them. Window 8 is now Windows 8! The beauty of not being trapped in a full screen app anymore, forgetting were you where and what else is opened. And all for the price of $5! No more Win+Tab,Tab,Tab,Tab,Tab,......Tab,Tab,......Tab,Tab,..... :sick:,....Tab, Tab, ah rubbish I missed it. First thing Stardock should do is stick a big fat donate button on their website!

Stardock, xx Jason!!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Touchsmart IQ500
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo T5850
    Motherboard
    IMISR-CF (Eve)
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
What a shame that the pinned-to-taskbar icon doesn't have the live tile updates (a pinned mail app doesn't tell me I have '1 new mail' for example). I guess I'll stick to using the Start Screen's live tiles.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I haven't downloaded it yet, but it does look good.

No doubt there will be a proliferation of similar utilities from other vendors, like the various "Windows 7 style Start menu" options.

They will sell loads (assuming it's reliable) and if I was an OEM supplier I'd be tempted to bundle it onto PCs I supplied.

I also reckon that this will be good for Windows Store development too; if I was a developer I'd have more confidence in developing a Modern/Metro style app, knowing that people could use it on the Desktop too.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, 10
Looks like stardock will be making even more millions from those saddled with win8.

I expect they can barely believe the opportunities that have been sent their way.

Good luck to them.
 

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    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
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I wonder if Microsoft secretly owns Stardock ? :orb: :what:
 

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    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
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    Gateway
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    Opera 24.0
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    Avast Internet Security
ModernMix is a a great Windows 8 utility, particularly for those running Windows 8 with large displays. I've been calling Windows 8 "Windows 2" due to the current (now previous) restriction of displaying only 2 modern Windows 8 apps at a time in a 1/3 - 2/3 screen layout.

The other benefit of ModernMix is that when you run modern apps on the desktop, the taskbar is now visible. This allows you to see app notifications, the clock, and access other apps and functions quickly.

Big +1 for ModernMix and Stardock!
 

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What a shame that the pinned-to-taskbar icon doesn't have the live tile updates (a pinned mail app doesn't tell me I have '1 new mail' for example). I guess I'll stick to using the Start Screen's live tiles.

Now you ask too much. :)
But is something very nice if they decide to make this. Still a bit small to be readable.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
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    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
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    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
What a shame that the pinned-to-taskbar icon doesn't have the live tile updates (a pinned mail app doesn't tell me I have '1 new mail' for example). I guess I'll stick to using the Start Screen's live tiles.

Now you ask too much. :)
But is something very nice if they decide to make this. Still a bit small to be readable.

Yeah, I don't know that much about windows, but I don't think this would ever happen.

I take it that the icons on the task bar are simply that, icons. The program loads the prescribed icon from some location, which the user can choose, when loading. Could one way to do it be for, say the mail app, to change the icon, wherever it is stored, for when it gets a new mail. The only way that would take affect on the taskbar is for explorer to restart. So would I be right in saying it is possible, but you would need explorer to restart to see a change (you would want it to restart regularly for the mail app), or am I talking out my ass!?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Touchsmart IQ500
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo T5850
    Motherboard
    IMISR-CF (Eve)
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
On a side note, do you think, overall, this is a good thing or a bad thing for app developers.

Say now if you were working in firefox on their metro/modern app that you can get through the nightly version. Wouldn't you be sitting there yesterday, as ModernMix was released, thinking what the hell am I even doing. If this things kicks off, people are going to use this app on the desktop. So why wouldn't they just use the desktop browser which is infinitely superior to the modern app version. You would just be sitting there thinking what the hell is the point!! Such a waste of time! I'm just going to go home early and cry for the rest of the day! The quick answer would be to have a 'touchier' big button version of the desktop browser that can be switched on off, like what chrome does. In that case, is it worth firefox's time and energy to keep developing their modern app?

On the other hand, 'non-techie' new windows 8 buyers are not going to know or be interested or even know what ModernMix means. Your uncle or aunty type who doesn't know how to copy and paste! That will probably apply to the majority of buyers. They will just use windows 8 as it comes. Meaning they will be using the store apps in modern mode. Leaving Firefox in the position they were two days ago, we have no modern app, it would be wise and sensible to have one to enhance our visibility etc.

So app developers are probably going through a bit soul searching at the moment!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Touchsmart IQ500
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo T5850
    Motherboard
    IMISR-CF (Eve)
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
Downloaded (paid for) and up and running. If you are looking for a program that will make your Modern Apps run like desktop programs then this is the way to go. The trail version is only half-assed so I went with the full paid and it works as advertized.

Good thus far. . .knock on wood. . .:D

This should have been posted as "News" that way this information would get out to more folks who are looking for new ways to help improve their work in win 8.


What features don't work with the trial (beta) version?
 

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    Internal fan
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    Slider keyboard
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    Logitech T650 Touchpad & Microsoft Touch Mouse
On a side note, do you think, overall, this is a good thing or a bad thing for app developers.

Say now if you were working in firefox on their metro/modern app that you can get through the nightly version. Wouldn't you be sitting there yesterday, as ModernMix was released, thinking what the hell am I even doing. If this things kicks off, people are going to use this app on the desktop. So why wouldn't they just use the desktop browser which is infinitely superior to the modern app version. You would just be sitting there thinking what the hell is the point!! Such a waste of time! I'm just going to go home early and cry for the rest of the day! The quick answer would be to have a 'touchier' big button version of the desktop browser that can be switched on off, like what chrome does. In that case, is it worth firefox's time and energy to keep developing their modern app?

On the other hand, 'non-techie' new windows 8 buyers are not going to know or be interested or even know what ModernMix means. Your uncle or aunty type who doesn't know how to copy and paste! That will probably apply to the majority of buyers. They will just use windows 8 as it comes. Meaning they will be using the store apps in modern mode. Leaving Firefox in the position they were two days ago, we have no modern app, it would be wise and sensible to have one to enhance our visibility etc.

So app developers are probably going through a bit soul searching at the moment!!

To be perfectly honest I expect Microsoft to block third party applications such as Modern Mix and '7 Explorer For 8', ones which specifically workaround their vision for Windows 8, with future Windows Updates. In the same way that the registry teak to re-enable Start Menu stopped working in-between the developer preview and the consumer preview, when MS aggressively removed legacy code etc. Or how, when I used a 3rd party theme patcher, a bunch of Windows Updates came along which stopped the boot into Windows from happening with a flashing black screen (I had to reinstall Win7 and then re-upgrade to Win8).

With 'Windows Blue' on the way, and MS doing more 'waves' of services and updates more quickly in general, rather than the usual 3-4 year 'new OS' refresh, I am less confident in hacking the OS this time around. For instance, to save myself a buttload of money I would purchase a Surface RT and then jailbreak it into a Surface Pro, if I wasn't sure that MS would release an update which would 'brick' any hacked Surface RTs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
To be perfectly honest I expect Microsoft to block third party applications such as Modern Mix and '7 Explorer For 8', ones which specifically workaround their vision for Windows 8, with future Windows Updates. In the same way that the registry teak to re-enable Start Menu stopped working in-between the developer preview and the consumer preview, when MS aggressively removed legacy code etc. Or how, when I used a 3rd party theme patcher, a bunch of Windows Updates came along which stopped the boot into Windows from happening with a flashing black screen (I had to reinstall Win7 and then re-upgrade to Win8).


Doubt it. A legit 3rd party application is a bit different than people just flat out registry hacking on their own.

Kudos to Stardock though, this is how an app based system should work on a desktop OS. And had Microsoft done something like this from the beginning, the acceptance would've been tenfold. Maybe someday MS will wake up, most likely not - but at least I'll have Stardock.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
On another note that app developers might heed, is that now that apps can run on desktop, their app actually feels much more, legitimate isn't quite the work, but important or something. Like the TuneIn radio app say, it isn't just a boring lame background app, it now feels like a full fledged desktop program. If the idea of windows 8 didn't exist yet, do you think TuneIn Radio would be interested or bothered to make an actual desktop program, I don't think so. Now they in essence, if not technical functionality, have a full desktop program, which looks significantly better than a traditional desktop program or even their website.

A question for developers: - take the case of TuneIn radio app, pretending they hadn't made an app, if they were to decide between making a desktop program or a windows 8 app with identical features now, which in general would be easier or faster to make?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Touchsmart IQ500
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo T5850
    Motherboard
    IMISR-CF (Eve)
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
On another note that app developers might heed, is that now that apps can run on desktop, their app actually feels much more, legitimate isn't quite the work, but important or something. Like the TuneIn radio app say, it isn't just a boring lame background app, it now feels like a full fledged desktop program. If the idea of windows 8 didn't exist yet, do you think TuneIn Radio would be interested or bothered to make an actual desktop program, I don't think so. Now they in essence, if not technical functionality, have a full desktop program, which looks significantly better than a traditional desktop program or even their website.

A question for developers: - take the case of TuneIn radio app, pretending they hadn't made an app, if they were to decide between making a desktop program or a windows 8 app with identical features now, which in general would be easier or faster to make?


Yep, it's a win/win all around. And the people that don't see it this way are truly brainwashed by Microsoft's ideology. App developer's are going to see downloads increase quite a bit, because they are actually functional in a desktop environment without hindering productivity. They were a waste of time and screen real-estate for me before but I've installed and even purchased quite a few in the last hour even, simply because of a $4.99 Stardock program. Restrictive crap can now be kept on the restrictive device where it belongs...the tablet and phone. And, FINALLY I can use a multi-display setup the way it SHOULD be used.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
Sad that MS are relying on 3rd parties to fix their weird UI.
 

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  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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