In preparation for the Windows 8 launch, Stardock has released a near-final version of its highly anticipated Start8 utility.
Start8 is a program that adds the Start button back to the Windows 8 desktop as well as provides a fully function post-Windows 7 style Start menu.
What’s New:
- Windows 7 style Start menu with Windows 8 enhancements
- Users can search for Windows 8-style (Metro) apps with it
- Users can pin Metro apps to it
- Full support for Jump Lists
- Unified Search
- Automatically matches color to the color of the taskbar
- Start button is now skinnable
- Users can boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop
- Optionally disable the desktop “hot spots”.
- Fast access to shut down, devices, music, documents, videos
- Supports WindowFX 5.1 startmenu animations (currently in beta)
- The Windows 8 Start screen becomes accessible from the Start menu
- Start menu size fully configurable
- Adds option for WinKey to show fullscreen Metro desktop.
Screenshots:
Post Windows 7-style start menu: Can “see” and interact with Windows 8 style apps.
Start button orb image can be changed
All installed Windows 8 style apps can be found by typing “Metro”.
Users can quickly access all their programs and shut down options
Download at http://www.stardock.com/products/start8
