Windows Blue Alpha Build 9364 Leaks

Microsoft continues to evolve the modern UI

Microsoft has denied for months that Windows Blue even exists, but we finally have proof. A forum post from a Polish tech blog contained links for Windows 8 build 9364, and R27 installed the patch to verify its legitimacy. The consensus seems to be that Build 9364 is an “alpha” version of Blue, and while it might not be entirely feature complete, it certainly gives us a pretty good idea of what Microsoft has in store. We would recommend against installing this build for both legal and stability reasons, however that doesn’t mean you're totally shut out. We’ve compiled a full gallery of screenshots showing off the changes, and so far we have to say things are looking up for the modern UI.

read the article for more on the changes at: Windows Blue Alpha Build 9364 Leaks | Maximum PC

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So...I'm interested in what y'all think about these changes. But please, when you respond, give your experience with Win8. Are you using it? Or not.

Here's my take:

I didn't try out any of the early releases or previews, but when Win 8 released, I jumped into it with both feet and I've been using it ever since...five months now.

I have to say up front that I use the traditional desktop mode most of the time, though there are a few Modern UI apps that I use on a regular basis and a fair number that I use as need occurs. I have two monitors, so it's very quick and easy to pop into the modern ui...do whatever there...and get back out while I have other things going on in the desktop on the other monitor. I've had Win8 apps running in the split screen with the desktop in the other portion of the screen and I've had apps running in the background while the desktop is taking up the whole screen. I think it's safe to say that I know quite a bit about how Win8 works.

So here's what I think...

More Win8 apps on the screen at the same time (or presumably sharing the screen with the normal desktop) sounds good to me. Makes for more flexibility.

More options for tile sizes, again, sounds good to me.

More options for personalizing the start screen is nice, but I'd really like to be able to place my own background there...kind of like a wallpaper.

Control over more settings in the Modern UI is a good thing. I've never really needed the Start Button and I haven't missed it one bit. This change will give less incentive for those hooked on the Start Button to run out and find a program to give it to them. But for me...it's a wash.

IE 11. What little I use IE 10 has shown me it's a decent browser, but it hasn't pulled me away from Opera. I really don't know enough about IE 11 to form an opinion.

Like the article writer, I'm hoping this update is free. If not, then $10-$15 would be okay with me. Any more...say...$40? Hmmm...I'd have to think about it.