14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has indeed been mostly focused on the desktop UI of Windows 10, but the company has also implemented a series of tweaks for the Modern interface of the operating system, including a new pack of icons that make everything look a bit more appealing on touch-capable devices.
As you can see in this picture created by Twitter user Martin Anderson (@mdtauk), Microsoft has created a new set of icons that replace almost the entire old package, making the Metro UI overall look a bit more modern and continuing the flat approach started in October 2012.
In this photo, the new icons are white, while the old ones are grey, so it’s easy to tell the difference between the two versions. Some are already available in testing builds of Windows 10 and are very likely to be included in the Consumer Preview build as well.
New icons on the desktop as well
In Windows 10 Technical Preview, Microsoft also brought new icons for the desktop, again with the purpose of making the operating system altogether look a bit more modern and appealing to the user.
For example, folder icons have adopted a fresh look in Windows 10, and more changes to files are also expected to be part of future releases as well.
Users have also asked Microsoft to change the looks for the icons in Windows 10, and until now, more than 8,000 people have submitted their votes for such requests.
Could flat icons be the future?
Back in 2012, Microsoft introduced the new Windows 8 with a flat design, thus bringing significant changes to the Windows desktop that was already really eye-candy thanks to the Aero pack of visual effects. But by removing Aero and going all-in on a flat look, Microsoft caused quite a debate online, and some say that this particular approach isn’t really productive for the company in Windows 10.
“Many long-time Windows users rejected 8 precisely because they were turned off by the ‘modern’ look (which in many ways is more ‘retro’ than the old icons) and they didn't want to bother with 3rd party themes,” one user explained. “So, yes, if Microsoft wants another disaster, they should do as you say and keep pushing this "flat design" insanity and not give people an easy way to change it.”
Of course, Windows 10 is still in development right now, so a lot could change until it finally hits the market, which, according to sources, could happen in late summer or early fall 2015.
