Lenovo goes behind Microsoft's back – preinstalls "Pokki Start Menu" software

The disappearance of a Start button and traditional Start Menu from Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 8, has been controversial. Many users who have been using the software for years feel discombobulated when trying to find their list of installed applications in the new OS. While most OEMs are hoping Windows viii.1's decision to reintegrate a Commencement button will clam user frustrations, Lenovo has gone i footstep farther.

The world's largest PC manufacturer, Lenovo, will begin installing a piece of software onto all of its Windows 8 machines that will bring users closer to the traditional start menu. Pokki, a piece of software developed past startup, SweetLabs, adds an "acorn start button" in place of where the "windows start button" used to sit down.

The button provides access to a more traditional starting time carte along with a collection of apps that can be downloaded from Pokki's own application store. SweetLabs states that they intend on expanding their app store to include traditional desktop applications and Windows 8 applications. Co-founder, Chester Ng, fabricated a statement regarding the recent organisation with Lenovo:

"We started our company five years ago with a programme of building the largest app distribution platform on the planet, we remember this is a pretty major step in that management."

A closer await at Pokki does show quick links to document libraries, the control panel, and currently installed applications. Users who have missed the traditional kickoff menu will definitely feel more at dwelling house with Pokki installed. The application can either sit in your taskbar as a standalone push button or go rid of the new Windows button all together. If y'all desire to have Pokki look exactly like the Windows 8.i Beginning button and fifty-fifty intercept when the "Windows Key" is pressed – you tin can do that.

We are not sure whether or not the new implementation will make Windows eight users equivalently happy as compared to the anger Microsoft is no doubt feeling right now. We have reached out to Lenovo for further comments and volition update yous when we receive a response.

For users interested in trying out Pokki themselves, it is costless and tin can exist downloaded hither.

Source: GeekWire

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft after 29 years

One of the greats

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft afterwards 29 years

Shannon Loftis announced her retirement from Microsoft today, afterwards 29 years with the company. Loftis has been with Xbox for decades, having built franchises like Fable, Banjo Kazooie, and many more, and recently revived Historic period of Empires from its long slumber.