What Is Metro?

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Metro was a design system used in the user interface of Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7. It was created as a new design language for Microsoft's mobile phones, tablets, and PCs. The company chose Metro because it represented a modern, clean, fast, and in-motion design. However, the name Metro did not survive the public release of Windows 8. There was a company in Dusseldorf, Germany, called the Metro Group that took exception to use the name. This led to widespread suggestions that it was related to a trademark dispute. Despite the naming issue, the developers of this new UI were inspired by the eye-catching signs commonly found in the King County Metro transit stations around Microsoft's headquarters in the Seattle area. The Metro design system was intended to be modern and sleek, with interactive and colorful tiles featuring big typography meant to draw the user's attention. The Metro design system can be used in place of the traditional Windows PC desktop in Windows 8. However, it is the only UI choice in Windows Phone 7. The design principle behind the Metro system is to consolidate the user's experience across different devices using a consistent design language. The Metro design system focuses on the user's interaction with the interface. It is designed to be touch-friendly, with large tiles that the user can swipe to access different apps and features. The Metro design system also includes live tiles, constantly updated with new information, such as weather updates, news headlines, and social media notifications. The Metro design system isn't just about looks, though. It also includes a number of features that make it more functional and efficient. For example, the Metro design system consists of a search function allowing users to quickly find apps, files, and settings. The search function is accessed by swiping from the right edge of the screen, which brings up the Charms bar. The Metro design system also includes a feature called Snap, which allows users to multitask by running two apps side-by-side on the screen. This feature is handy on tablets and other touch-screen devices, as it allows the user to work on two things simultaneously without switching back and forth between apps. Another feature of the Metro design system is the ability to customize the Start screen. The user can choose which apps and features are displayed on the Start screen and change the background and color scheme to suit their preferences. Overall, the Metro design system significantly departed from previous Windows interfaces. It was designed to be touch-friendly, focusing on large, colorful tiles and a consistent design language across devices. Despite the naming issue, the Metro design system was a major innovation in the world of user interface design, and it has had a lasting impact on how we interact with our devices.

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