Microsoft to rebrand ‘Metro’ used in Windows 8 and Windows Phone

Microsoft is using the “Metro” word from Windows Phone 7 and in Windows 8, it describes the design language used in these recent operating systems. We have seen Metro design in Windows 8, Windows Phone, Office 2013 and recently launched Outlook.com. But the Metro word is going to retire soon and will be renamed with something else as early as this weekend according to reports.

The Verge is reporting that Microsoft is advising developers to not to use Metro term in relation to apps in Windows 8 and Windows Phone. Microsoft is advising developers to use “New User Interface” in that place. initially it was not clear what made Microsoft to change mind and kill the Metro word. As Microsoft is using this from quite some time and everyone is referring this word in relation to the radical changes that are introduced in Windows 8 compared to previous versions of Windows OS.

Microsoft spokesperson said that “We have used Metro style as a code name during the product development cycle across many of our product lines. As we get closer to launch and transition from industry dialog to a broad consumer dialog we will use our commercial names.”

The change is due to a discussion Microsoft had “with an important European partner”, Tom Warren of The Verge has posted that he has seen an internal memo of Microsoft that reveals the reason for change.

It is strange that Microsoft promoted Metro design for so long and now they are discontinuing to use the same just before the launch of Windows 8.