The Windows 8 Logo Defines Microsoft’s Future
By Ed Oswald | Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 2:55 pm
There you have it, Microsoft’s new logo for Windows 8. It’s a dramatic departure from the logos of the past, where color and flashiness took an increasing role, and it looked less like a window and more like a flag. But why so minimalist? It accurately portrays Windows’ future.
Recognize the color? You should, as it’s one of the primary colors of the tiles in the Metro interface. The flag is now back to being a true window, and its size and shape are reminiscent of the tiled interface that will play such a big part in the platform from here on out. It says simplicity.
I have heard criticism already that the logo is an Apple copy, which I could not disagree more with. Microsoft’s Metro interface is built on simplicity, and really does not have an equivalent in OS X. I am the first person to criticize Microsoft for its blockheadedness in not adapting to trends in technology or in how it runs its business.
If anything, Microsoft is following a pattern that’s apparent across the entire technology industry, that less is more. Technology consumers no longer need flashy doo-dads to attract them; they have matured enough to want things to work more than just look good. Yes maybe Apple started this all, but Microsoft is hardly copying — it’s finally adapting, and we should congratulate them on it.
Windows 8 is a big departure from the “Microsoft Way,” thus it requires an completely different way of looking at the brand and a big shift from the past. This certainly captures it, and I am very impressed that the company seems to be thinking out of the box. For a company that was stagnant for so long, this is a breath of fresh air.
Good job Microsoft, you impressed me.
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February 18th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Whole heartily agree. Outside Apple, MS is the ONLY company blazing a new path, and not copying anyone. Whether it will work or not remains to be seen, but they do have my respect.
February 18th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Excellent post and nice to see the thoughts behind it. I agree with you – the itme was right for this change and it fits in with the Metro ideas of simplicity.
February 18th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
The new logo is not an Apple copy, actually, its made on a Mac. Ive dicovered that myself you can check it by yourself here:
http://gradly.net/2012/02/18/microsoft-8-new-logo…
February 19th, 2012 at 6:06 am
MS still needs to come up with a new OS. Not one that is simply an NT kernel piles with bloatware on top.
February 19th, 2012 at 8:12 am
It is a simple logo, that I do have to admit, but one that is completely lacking in creativity.
Hopefully the OS itself has some creative flair (beyond the gimmicks), so that Microsoft can stand on their own two feet again.
February 19th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
I hate the new logo on a purely aesthetic basis. It’s simply ugly. However, it’s appropriate because that’s my reaction to the Metro interface as well. I’ve been using it for a couple of months now, hoping that it will grow on me, but it just remains ugly.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:19 am
It reminds me of the Swedish flag. https://www.google.com/search?q=swedish+flag
February 21st, 2012 at 3:37 am
That's appealing ….doubt?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 am
Oh look. A monochromatic logo…. kind of like the one Apple has used for what… almost 10 years now ? I'm just sayin'….
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Nothing useful?