Samsung to return classic Start menu to Windows 8 with free app

Samsung to return classic Start menu to Windows 8 with free app
Samsung keeping it familiar with Quick Starter (Image credit: Laptop Magazine)

Aware of the old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', Samsung will provide a free app that mimics the classic Start menu for its Windows 8 laptops and tablets.

The company's Quick Starter app (previously knowns as S Launcher) was initially due to ship with new Windows 8 devices, but instead it'll be available as a free download when those machines hit store shelves.

The user interface in previous versions of Windows was underpinned by the famous Start button and the pop-up menus that allow easy navigation around the OS.

Of course, this has been culled in favour of the don't-call-it-Metro UI in Windows 8 which has a Start screen that gives applications like Internet Explorer, Music and Video their own button.

Keeping it familiar

Perhaps understanding that not everyone loves a change and that the new UI might actually put some folks off buying a Windows 8 machine, Samsung will offer users a choice between the old and new.

It'll be available to download from the S Manager suite - a portal for the latest drivers and software within Samsung's Windows 8 machines .

A press release from Samsung said: "Included within S Manager is Samsung's Quick Starter feature, which adds a toolbar and start button to the Windows 8 interface. This provides users with a choice of interface and offers a familiar navigation scheme."

Naturally, there will be plenty of third-party solutions offering this functionality, but Samsung likely hopes that a native app will give it an edge in the forthcoming W8 manufacturer battle with the likes of HP, Dell and Sony.

Via CNET, Laptop Magazine

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.