It was rumored back in March 2012 that the final version of Windows 8 will not come with the iconic Start button. The absence was noted when Windows 8 consumer preview was released without this prominent feature that has been around since Windows 95. By December 2012 it was being rumored that not even Windows Blue, the next major Windows 8 update, will resurrect the Start button. Since then there has been much speculation on the button’s status. Only recently the head of Windows Engineering, Julie Larson-Green, said that they were having “meaningful discussions” on the subject of bringing back the Start button. The latest alleged screenshot of forthcoming Windows 8.1 a.k.a Windows Blue update reveal that Microsoft has indeed brought the button back, but it doesn’t exactly do what it used to do before.
Reportedly the Start button in Windows 8.1 will change color when the pointer is hovered over it. However, this addition does not bring back the start menu. Clicking on the Start button in Windows 8.1 will not bring up the start menu with all the programs and apps like it does in Windows 7 or older versions, rather it will bring up the Start Screen. Will that be enough for all those urging Microsoft to bring the old Start experience back? We’ll only know when the update reaches them. What’s your take on this, do you think that the vanity will wear off after some time?
Filed in . Read more about Windows 8.1 and Windows Blue.