Microsoft ditches desktop for new interface Metro

Software giant Microsoft has replaced the standard Microsoft ‘desktop’ for a brand new interface Metro, which will be launched in October this year.

Software giant Microsoft has replaced the standard Microsoft 'desktop' for a brand new interface 'Metro', which will be launched in October this year.

The interface upgrade, Metro, will be touch-friendly and will consist of all applications, widgets and social network updates that will appear in the form of a mosaic of tiles.

The new version of Windows comes with Microsoft prepares to launch Windows 8 in October.

"We believe that your upgrade experience in Windows 8 will be a breeze by offering a faster experience, a single upgrade path, and compatibility from prior versions of Windows," the Daily Mail quoted a spokesman of the firm, as saying.

"We have simplified the Windows upgrade experience with the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which supports you during your upgrade with everything from selecting your language to pausing your download to built-in compatibility checks. And if you're an enthusiast you will have the flexibility to download and control how you upgrade," he added.

According to the report, the Start Menu and the desktop both have been replaced with the Metro interface, which uses ''Live Tiles'' for updates and for programs, in a manner similar to Windows Phone 7, and the upcoming Microsoft Surface tablet.

Microsoft said those upgrading from Windows 7 to the new interface, will be able to keep all their settings, programs and files.

The company has also put a special price on its next version of Windows, Windows 8, offering upgrades to the operating system for 40 dollars and 25 pounds in the UK, running until next January and applies to the previous versions of Windows - XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Microsoft has not yet confirmed the price in the UK yet, but the company is likely to price the upgrade at between 25 to 40 pounds.