Windows 8-Style UI

Peter Bright, Ars Technica, reports that Microsoft is dropping their Windows 8 “Metro” branding in fear of legal disputes:

From now on, the new terminology that Microsoft is using is “Windows 8-style UI” when talking about Windows 8 applications, and “New User Interface” when talking about the company’s full product line-up.

Asked for comment, a Microsoft spokesman told us:

We have used ‘Metro style’ as a code name during the product development cycle across many of our product lines. As we get closer to launch and transition from industry dialog to a broad consumer dialog we will use our commercial names.

First, you shouldn’t laugh at Microsoft because there is a possible legal dispute over the Metro name. Heck, Apple routinely shoots first and asks questions later.¹ You should laugh because they don’t have the sense to hold on to catchy branding for an innovative product - instead defaulting to some awful legacy-inspired nonsense.

Second, in regards to the comment from Microsoft, let me decode it for you:

We have used ‘Metro style’ during product development because that was the product’s name. As we approach launch, a German company might sue us, so we are transitioning to some uninspired, soulless name that only Steve Ballmer thinks is a good idea.

Once again, Redmond snatches defeat from the jaws of victory. Embarrassing.