I am currently at the Windows 8 Camp, in downtown Toronto, learning about how Metro applications can/will be developed for this next release of the operating system. Very cool!! A lot of emphasis placed on the process for getting an application certified by Microsoft for inclusion into the store (even for applications that will be provided for free). This process should help ensure applications work ‘better’.

Developers can still create programs using their preferred language within Visual Studio, so no change there. However, a Metro application will do a lot of the setup work for the developer, so he/she can concentrate on functionality, rather than ‘chrome’, as Microsoft calls interface elements (that may or may not be necessary). Dare I say much more like another company linked to common fruit.

I personally like the new interface elements. The content is what comes to the attention of the user, rather than the actual interface presenting the content. Will this help increase overall productivity, or intuitive usability? What do you think?