Windows8 - 8.1 - Windows Threshold Tips Questions and Solutions

[bob3160]

The upcoming Windows 8 and the Past Logo's used by Windows.

Windows 1.0Few remember the original Windows logo, yet we found it both refreshing and inspiring in relation to the work we have been doing on the Metro style design visuals. Using simple lines and clear straight forward concept, this logo reminded us of what a great and evocative name we have with “windows”.
Windows 3.1For many of us this was the image in our mind when we think of past Windows logos. The now classic window shape and the introduction of the four colors were hallmarks of the Windows brand for many years to come. The introduction of the “waving effect” gives the logo a sense of motion. This logo would be the basis of the Windows versions throughout the 1990s.
Windows XPThe next major incarnation of the logo came with the release of Windows XP. What has come to be known as the “Windows flag” is a cleaner more sophisticated mark than its predecessors. The version that populated the lower left hand corner of Windows PCs next to the word “Start” also gained a sense of materiality (plastic?) and a 3D effect from the rich gradients and shadows.
Windows VistaThe Windows Vista release marked the beginning of the AERO design aesthetic in Windows with a key component of the interface being the “AERO glass” effect. Replacing the green Start button was the round glass-like button with a now flattened version of the “flag” from Windows XP. Internally, this icon became known as the “pearl”. You can see the intricate lighting effects of the faux glass. In many ways signaling just how powerful of a rendering engine the PC had become. This version of the logo was largely unchanged for Windows 7.
Windows 8With Windows 8, we approached the logo redesign with a few key goals on mind.
1. We wanted the new logo to be both modern and classic by echoing the International Typographic Style (or Swiss design) that has been a great influence on our Metro style design philosophy. Using bold flat colors and clean lines and shapes, the new logo has the characteristics of way-finding design systems seen in airports and subways.
2. It was important that the new logo carries our Metro principle of being “Authentically Digital”. By that, we mean it does not try to emulate faux-industrial design characteristics such as materiality (glass, wood, plastic, etc.). It has motion – aligning with the fast and fluid style you’ll find throughout Windows 8.
3. Our final goal was for the new logo to be humble, yet confident. Welcoming you in with a slight tilt in perspective and when you change your color, the logo changes to reflect you. It is a “Personal” Computer after all.




We hope you enjoy our new logo.

[Asyn]

Well, the new logo is a bit boring, imo.
Guess any of us would have come up with a better design.

[bob3160]

It's almost a throwback to Windows 1. Certainly not progress.... IMHO

[DavidR]

So a pretty good guess on my part having never seen/used windows 1, the first windows I used was windows 3 and came on 10 floppy disks. So they have regressed to windows 1 style logo, but failed to keep the OS lean

[Dch48]

I think the new logo is terrible and looks like it was drawn by a Kindergartner with only one crayon in his box. For me, the XP logo was the best one. How can they do away with the traditional and iconic colors? It's a total failure.

[!Donovan]

I think the new logo is terrible and looks like it was drawn by a Kindergartner with only one crayon in his box. For me, the XP logo was the best one. How can they do away with the traditional and iconic colors? It's a total failure.

Well said.

[DavidR]

I think the new logo is terrible and looks like it was drawn by a Kindergartner with only one crayon in his box. For me, the XP logo was the best one. How can they do away with the traditional and iconic colors? It's a total failure.

Its what companies spend millions on, building up a corporate identity and corporate logo, this one has thrown the baby out with the bath water. Long live the flag.

[Lisandro]

Its what companies spend millions on, building up a corporate identity and corporate logo, this one has thrown the baby out with the bath water. Long live the flag.

+100 Well said.

[Chris Thomas]

I think the new logo is terrible and looks like it was drawn by a Kindergartner with only one crayon in his box. For me, the XP logo was the best one. How can they do away with the traditional and iconic colors? It's a total failure.

Well said.

+1

[Marc57]

Its what companies spend millions on, building up a corporate identity and corporate logo, this one has thrown the baby out with the bath water. Long live the flag.

Agreed, Long live the flag!

[Dch48]

Here's the new logo for the latest Mac OS from the same designer who made the lame new Windows logo. Because they're not selling Apples, they're selling computers. 

[bob3160]

Here's the new logo for the latest Mac OS from the same designer because it isn't an Apple, it's a computer.

And what does that have to do with Windows 8

[Dch48]

Here's the new logo for the latest Mac OS from the same designer because it isn't an Apple, it's a computer.

And what does that have to do with Windows 8

Oh come on Bob, it's in relation to the new logo, so it does have to do with it. It's a reference to what the designer who made the new Win 8 logo would do for Apple. She asked MS why they had a flag instead of windows so I figured she'd ask the Mac folks why they have an apple instead of a computer.  I guess you didn't see the humor. I'm hurt. It took me a good 10 minutes to find an icon, edit it with Irfanview, save it and post it. 

[bob3160]

I figured she'd ask the Mac folks why they have an apple instead of a computer.

I figure she should have asked them why they have an Apple instead of a Hamburger

[Marc57]

Anyone trying the Windows 8 Consumer Preview? As soon as I finish the download (2.5GB) I'm going to set up a dual boot to give it a try.