Start8 from Stardock: Return the start menu to Windows 8

PLYMOUTH, MI -- October 18, 2012 - Stardock announced the availability of Start8, its much anticipated software solution that returns the start menu and its functionality to Windows 8. Start8 eases the transition to Windows 8 by bringing the familiarity of the Windows 7-style start menu along with additional enhancements to Microsoft's new Windows 8 release.

Stardock's CEO Brad Wardell said; "If we can let users stay in one environment with one consistent usage paradigm then the migration to Windows 8 would go a lot smoother." To that end, Start8 will boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop by default, giving users a friendly starting point during their migration. Start8 also enables users to search for, pin and launch both classic and Modern UI applications from the start menu.

Feature List:

• Adds a Windows 7-style Start menu with Windows 8 enhancements
• Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop
• Search for Windows 8-style (Modern UI) apps
• Pin desktop and Modern UI apps
• Jump list support
• Windows 8 Start screen accessible from the Start menu
• Optionally disable Windows 8 "hot spots"
• Configurable Start menu size
• Fast access to shut down, devices, music, documents, videos
• Skinnable Start button
• Group policy support

Start8 is available as a free 30-day trial and can be purchased for only $4.99.

System Requirements:

• Windows 8

To learn more:

Start8 website: https://www.stardock.com/products/start8

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About Stardock
Stardock is one of the world's leading developers and publisher of PC games and desktop enhancement software. Its PC games include Sins of a Solar Empire, the highest rated and best-selling PC strategy game of 2008 as well as the critically acclaimed Galactic Civilizations series. Its desktop software includes Fences, Object Desktop, ObjectDock, Multiplicity, WindowBlinds, DirectSkin OCX and a host of other programs for customizing the Windows experience.