Business IT

Microsoft pulls Metro moniker after trademark dispute

By Staff Writers on Aug 6, 2012 1:06PM
Microsoft pulls Metro moniker after trademark dispute

Editor's Picks

The importance of accurately identifying your customers

How healthcare organisations can protect themselves from increasing cyberattacks

Press the “easy button” to secure multi-cloud connectivity

Our remote workforce needs to be more secure than ever before

It's a core part of Windows 8, but you mightn't be hearing a lot more about Metro in the future. Read why.

Microsoft has urged third-party Windows 8 developers to remove all mentions of the word 'Metro' from applications and related material after a German retailer threatened to sue.

The moniker, used to identify the new tile-based user interface in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7, has been used in marketing and other material for some time.

However, it could potentially conflict with the Germany-based company, Metro AG, which has threatened legal action over the issue.

A quick check by our sister site iTnews shows that Metro is still widely used across Microsoft websites as well as partner and developer sites.

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest business tech news, reviews and guides delivered to your inbox.

I have read and accept the privacy policy and terms and conditions and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the Business IT newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of Business IT, nextmedia and its valued partners. We will not share your details with third parties.

In emails to developers — including one sighted by iTnews — Microsoft prompted developers to replace mentions of 'Metro' with 'Windows 8-style UI' for Windows 8 applications, and 'New User Interface' when referring to the company's entire product line.

It is unclear how much of the naming could be removed from websites and marketing material ahead of the operating system's first launch to developers later this month.

It is set to be released to enterprises from September 1, and will be generally available on October 26.

New Zealand development house Marker Metro, styled itself as the world's first specialising in Windows 8-style interface apps, was one company affected by the late name change.

"Yes, we're very disappointed," practice lead Ben Gracewood told iTnews.

"Just when we were seeing some traction and understanding from the general public about what 'Metro' means, we get the rug pulled out.

"We hope that at the very least Microsoft comes up with a more concise description for 'apps specifically designed for Windows 8'. Perhaps 'Voldemort'? The UI design style that must not be named?"

Copyright © iTnews.com.au . All rights reserved.
Tags:
app developer metro microsoft software windows 8
By Staff Writers
Aug 6 2012
1:06PM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • Microsoft says new Teams devices are incoming
  • Microsoft 365 wobbles after faulty update
  • Microsoft quietly reveals new perpetual Office licence
  • TikTok owner Bytedance rejects Microsoft acquisition bid
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

Withings Scanwatch smartwatch review

Withings Scanwatch smartwatch review

Our remote workforce needs to be more secure than ever before

Our remote workforce needs to be more secure than ever before

Dynabook Satellite Pro C50-H laptop review

Dynabook Satellite Pro C50-H laptop review

Should you say no to SAP's S/4 and HANA?

Should you say no to SAP's S/4 and HANA?

Poll

What would you like to see more of on BiT?
News
Reviews
Features
How To's
Lollies
Photo Galleries
Videos
Opinion
View poll archive
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.