The Final Step

Late last week it was reported that Microsoft may be abandoning the use of the term ‘Metro’ in its branding of Windows 8 and Windows Phone. Last weekend it became clear that this is in fact true.

Microsoft has used the term ‘Metro’ to describe the flatter, cleaner and more modern look of its new operating systems since it announced Windows Phone 7 back in 2010. Since then it has become the cornerstone of Microsoft’s design philosophy with the Windows and Office logos getting a new flatter design.

Microsoft’s official statement is that ‘Metro’ was only ever a codename, though there are reports that the move may be as a result of litigation from the German retail group Metro AG. Whatever the reason, Microsoft will now use the term 'Windows 8 style' going forward.