Simple solution, you make a Windows 8 on which you can select during install the user interface you would like to use, desktop or touch version (Modern). I just don't know why Microsoft didn't listen to the millions of users around the world in the first place.

My only hope is that Stardock won't be harmed...although, when this kind of uncertainty is injected by MS, the ripples will do many harm.

95% of the people can't wrap their heads around the reality that the "modern ui" is nothing more than a simple start menu. It's much more efficient than the legacy start menu and it isn't going anywhere.

Even if they bring the Start BUTTON back, there is nothing that I've read which indicates that they are bringing the old style Start MENU back in to existence. Get used to the new look of the Start Menu which so many people inappropriately confuse with a separate entity.

Customizing the Modern UI tiles would be a welcome change. Obly Tile does OK, but there is a lot of potential to be had in this area if MS allows third party apps like WB to have at it. Let's hope, or you can watch the nails gradually appear in the coffin of skinning.

Hopefully they'll be adding an early version of their cybernetic neural interface which will do away with input devices.

That has to be one of the most lame statements I've ever read. If not then it is a very sad statement concerning the common sense of the general masses. Weather you launch it from a button, windows key, or small rectangle, it's just a start menu in different appearance and size. It isn't rocket science at all and the whining is more media induced than actual reality.

I won't repost the link but in a previous W8 thread I linked to an article about a pretty comprehensive survey in regards to peoples thoughts on W8....

The truth is, the opinion on W8 is split almost exactly 50-50....the survey revealed that about a fourth of all people hate it, about a fourth dislike it, about a fourth like it, and about a fourth love it...when people make claims such as...

yeah, not believing it...W8 is by no means a slam dunk for an intuitive UI, but a lot of people had no problems adjusting to it...

When you further consider that many companies and home users are still using XP, the issue isn't just the start screen, but the entire rest of the UI that is nearly identical to W7...even if W8's UI had a start menu just like W7, lots of people would still have problems adjusting to it simply because it is different from XP...

I'm a little skeptical that it would cost billions of euros to "reteach" the masses...I think a more relevant number is how much it would cost companies to upgrade their OS...most don't even bother with such endeavors and simply use the OS that comes with the computers (so if they get new ones, they'll be "upgrading" to W7 or W8)...

There has been "rumors" that certain countries are considering mass adoptions of Linux, so I honestly don't think the "cost" of learning a new OS is really that expensive or costly to society (though it certainly can be frustrating at the individual level)...

It's kind of like when EA put out SimCity...they aren't dumb, they knew lots of people would be outraged about the whole internet connection thing....but they also knew most people would still buy it...and guess what: they were right (at least financially right, morally right is another story)...

Like EA, MS has the money and raw size to pull such shenanigans...they could force people into a new system knowing that even though there would be resistance, people would still buy it...of course, W8 is having sales problems but MS has the luxury to gamble on something like W8 and take a flop...only time will tell if W8 is a success or not, and we really won't be able to judge that until we see how the next OS looks and sells...

Interesting update:  http://www.infopackets.com/news/business/microsoft/2013/20130509_windows_blue_microsoft_admits_desktop_important.htm

"We started talking about the desktop as an app," Reller said. "But in reality, for PC buyers, the desktop is important...

Reller also acknowledged the tidal wave of complaints about Windows 8's new user interface, formerly known as 'Metro'.  She says that Microsoft has approached those comments "with an open mind," and don't plan to simply tell consumers to adapt or die.

"The learning curve [of Windows 8] is absolutely real, given the level of change," she told ABC News in a separate interview. "We can do work to address that. We see a lot of where customers could use some more help from us."

(Source: pcworld.com)

"Experts think it's possible that Windows Blue will allow Windows 8 users to completely bypass the new, touch-oriented user interface and directly access the traditional desktop layout." (Source: ft.com)

It's also possible the firm will resurrect the traditional 'Start' button." - http://www.infopackets.com/news/business/microsoft/2013/20130509_windows_blue_microsoft_admits_desktop_important.htm

What for an insight! The desktop is important for the PC buyers.....that I live to see this day.