Spartan Web browser and New Look Windows 10 Pro Insider Start Menu and Folder Structure
This is just a little update (not an in-depth review) of what is happening with Windows 10 – I hope you enjoy it. Bite-sized and TLDR!
(Image: Microsoft/and by kind permission of Gabriele Spadoni).
A very nice selection of images appear on your Login Screen. And for now it asks if you Like or Dislike them see top right. I liked this one ;), so if this is going into the final release blame geeks.
So I have just updated my Windows 10 again! It is fascinating to see how it is changing. From what initially was a kinda Windows 8.1 with a metro interface bolted on to the Start Menu, we now have a semi transparent black glass affair that is like a pane rather than something that looked like it was stuck on the side. It is not like Windows 7 and I fear ‘Classic Shell’ may well return as a result, Microsoft really should address this and put it as an option in the personalisation settings. Windows 10 is trying to be all things to all devices, a one stop cross-platform OS for their Tablet, Desktop and New Windows Phones (now they have finally dropped the Nokia Logo). The need to encourage developers to develop once and it be usable on all devices is attractive. However, some compromises must be made.
SPARTAN WEB BROWSER REVIEW
The infamous Internet Explorer which is still on this release, know begs you to try their new SPARTAN (Development name, like LONGHORN, was final title of this browser yet to be released). I have placed a couple of screenshots below so see what you think. Material Design (flat look) and Spartan by name Spartan by nature, it is unfussy and quick to use. I installed no plugins and surfed the net as well as I could with Chrome. So thats a plus!
Spartan Splash Screen – Anyone remember ‘The Man From Uncle?’ well spot the difference! I suspect that someone may not have noticed this.
Microsoft Man From Uncle Spartan Splash Screen.
And maybe even a touch of Joe 90?
I think U.N.C.L.E Gets the prize and Royalties?
Spartan (above) is very Spartan! It is quick and fresh looking. This will no doubt be where others will follow. This unframed flat looking Browser, that requires very little maintenance is ideal. Especially for those who install Windows and instantly their first search in Bing is for the Chrome Browser LOL now that must really hurt Bill! I like it! And will continue to use it and test it until Windows 10 is released proper in a few months time.
Download info is large and informative at the bottom of Browser. Slightly different to Chrome. Not sure if I prefer this or not. But the size of this is clearly (pun intended) better for Mobile!
Folder Structure
Best described as Flat in appearance, and very similar to its roots. this will please Windows 7 users yet to make the jump. Many avoided Windows 8 in the business sector, primarily down to the training costs. So this is a big deal for MS to win them all back! They have to make it as Windows 7-like as possible.
Nice Touches
I liked this, classy side slider with your USB info appears upon plugging in Drives etc. Nice!
Conclusion
I was one of the first group to download this Technical Preview back then it was very quiet. I am a fan of Windows Weekly (podcast) so got in right at the start. However, this is almost unrecogniseable compared to that original Technical Preview. It still has a ways to go. But I am genuinely excited and don’t forget, that for the first year, anyone with Windows 7 or 8.1 will be able to upgrade to this for Free! When it is released. This will be the final retail-type release I think for MS. From here on in it will all be released and upgraded via the cloud.
Exciting times for windows fans and Geeks! And don’t forget Cortana!
Surf