If there is one particular thing that many Windows 8 users out there would like to see on the operating system once again, that would be the iconic Start Menu. As Microsoft focuses on touch interface Windows 8, the Start Menu was side lined in favour on the Modern/Metro UI. Even though Microsoft added the Start Button once again through Windows 8.1 few month ago, it’s just a shortcut button that mainly acts as a switcher between desktop environment and Start Screen.
That will soon be a history though as the company has confirmed that the Start Menu will make a return to Windows 8.1 very soon.
Revealed during the opening keynote at the recent Microsoft Build Developer Conference, the new Start Menu for Windows 8.1 will include integration with Live Tiles. Judging from the brief stage demo at the event, the tiles on the new Start Menu are animated and able to display notification – just like the existing Live Tiles on Windows 8’s Start Screen.
However, this Start Menu is not part of the upcoming Windows 8.1 update that will be released next week though. In fact, there is no set release date for it at the time being although it will come to a Windows 8.1 PC near you sometime in the future through another update.
Nevertheless, this new layout is certainly a positive evolution of the Start Menu for Windows. It is a looker too. Now, if only Microsoft releases it alongside Windows 8.1 update next week…
