Microsoft official reveals the reason for dropping the “Metro” designation

Sep 19, 2012 13:50 GMT  ·  By

When Microsoft unveiled the first version of Windows 8, it bundled the so-called Metro apps that were considered both helpful and eye-appealing for today's computer users.

The Redmond-based Windows developer however dumped the Metro designation and is now calling the programs starring in the Start Screen “Windows Store” apps. A much simpler name that's clearly less appealing than Metro.

The main reason for this move is that Metro isn't considered such a commercial name, corporate VP Soma Somasegar was quoted as saying by The Register.

“Initially it was a fine name, but as we transition from an industry conversation to a broad-based customer and consumer conversation, we need to start using the commercial names. The commercial name for apps is Windows Store apps. We are transitioning from the development phase, so let’s use the right name,” he said.

When it announced its decision to discontinue the Metro name, Microsoft admitted it was only a codename for the development stage. And still, people continue to call the Start Screen program “Metro apps” even if we're only weeks away from the debut of the new OS.