Start8 v1.29 Beta Now Available

A new Start8 1.29 beta is available for Start8 and Object Desktop customers from their store account page at
 
  • Updated for Windows 8.1 RTM compatibility
  • Added self-contained menu skinning for Windows 8/8.1(though WindowBlinds skins will still work globally). See the "Which theme do you want to use" dropdown for an example. A library section for new ones is available at https://www.wincustomize.com/explore/start8_menus.
  • The included Start8ThemeEdit.exe (in the application folder) can be used to create new Start8 menu skins.
  • New default Start button image. The Windows logo is no longer available as a default selection.
  • New features under Control for "Start button shows Windows 8 menu unless docked" and "Start button shows Start8 menu unless in tablet mode" for slate and convertible machines respectively. Users with those machines must manually select one of those options, if they wish to use them.
  • Windows 8-style start menu options are available on Windows 8.1 RTM.
  • There are additional options for keeping the taskbar visible and defaulting to the Application view.
  • Additional fixes.
14,560 views 34 replies
Reply #1 Top

Why was the Windows logo removed from the button selections?  Can you please add it back as a configurable option within the StartButton images?

Reply #2 Top

Yes!! please add back the Windows Logo from the button selections. i dont like the new default one

Reply #7 Top

I'm guessing that microsoft yelled at stardock about the logo thing being their property or trademark or some such thing that would involve lawyers if stardock didn't drop it.

Reply #8 Top

Unfortunately, that image won't return as the default image.  However, you can always have custom start buttons and we even have a gallery on WinCustomize dedicated to them.

https://www.wincustomize.com/explore/start8_buttons

https://www.wincustomize.com/article/443803/

 

Reply #9 Top

Because of legalities, right? Can the stock Windows 8.1 start menu image be uploaded to WinCustomize, or is there legalities involved there too? Because I could customize and upload stock, near pixel-perfect 8.1 start menu buttons with various colors available.

Reply #10 Top

I do not like the custom start buttons or the ones at the gallery on WinCustomize at all.

I'm also unable to extract the image from the current version.

If anybody knows whrer to get or how to create the Windows Logo please let me know.

Thx in advance!

Cheers / A+

Reply #11 Top

I do not like the custom start buttons or the ones at the gallery on WinCustomize at all.

I'm also unable to extract the image from the current version.

If anybody knows whrer to get or how to create the Windows Logo please let me know.

Thx in advance!

Cheers / A+

End of quote

+1

Reply #12 Top

Can you please update Start8 so that it adjusts its height automatically, depending on how many pinned applications are added to the Start menu. This is how the Start menu worked in Windows 7. Currently, the option to display X number of pinned shortcuts in Start8 is proving very inflexible to me because if you have less than X then there's a blank area of wasted space and if you have more than X then all the pinned shortcuts are not displayed (Start8 doesn't even scroll down to show the undisplayed ones either). What it means is that I have to manually adjust the number of pinned shortcuts to display every time I add or remove anything from the Start8 menu. Even then there's a weird double line separated the pinned shortcut list from the Programs option at the bottom.

Reply #13 Top

Quoting g_rafael_v, reply 2

Yes!! please add back the Windows Logo from the button selections. i dont like the new default one
End of g_rafael_v's quote

I don't either but although the white one is now gone there is a blue alternative one under the Custom options (you have to manually select the image file).

Unfortunately, while this one matches the design of the white (on black) one used by Windows 8.1 RTM, it's placement and size means that the button icon visibly shifts and enlarges/reduces depending on whether you're hoving over the Start8 functionality (accessing the Start menu) or the Windows 8.1 Start button functionality (to access the Modern UI screen). I'd like to see this blue icon tweaked a little so they match better and the only visible change is the colour from blue to white and back.

Reply #16 Top

These are near-perfect 1:1 8.1 start button images for anyone whom wants a custom color (e.g. to match the account background color like 8.1 does). If you want a custom color, then post the RGB code or hex color code and I can post it for you. The only flaw is they don't have the "shine" effect when hovering/clicking like the 8.1 start button does. Here's some examples (right click to save these PNG images, ignore the white areas, they don't appear when posted here but will correctly when using them)...

 

If mods/admins feel these images pose any issue, feel free to remove them!

 

 

Reply #18 Top

Is this update required for Windows 8.1 functionality? If so, perhaps you guys should push it out as a release considering the Windows 8.1 launch is only 3 days away?

Reply #19 Top

Quoting lostinthecode, reply 18

Is this update required for Windows 8.1 functionality? If so, perhaps you guys should push it out as a release considering the Windows 8.1 launch is only 3 days away?
End of lostinthecode's quote

Other than a small issue with three modern UI apps not showing in the tree version 1.2 is compatible with Windows 8.1, but we expect to move 1.29 to release this week.

Reply #22 Top

Can't they just hijack the Windows 8.1 start button and make it do all the stuff the current Start8 start button do? That way we'll get the white start button back? Also, can't we just get a custom start button png and set it to white?

Reply #23 Top

Quoting lostinthecode, reply 22

Can't they just hijack the Windows 8.1 start button and make it do all the stuff the current Start8 start button do? That way we'll get the white start button back? Also, can't we just get a custom start button png and set it to white?
End of lostinthecode's quote

I doubt Microsoft would appreciate that.  Besides, you can simply change the start button image in Start8.

 

Reply #24 Top

I don't know why they wont comment and just spit it out. Assuming MS made them remove it for legal reasons.

Reply #25 Top

Does anyone know how to download older versions of start8? The "My Downloads" section only shows one version.

Also, which version number was the last to have the good start button? Is such version 8.1 compatible?

I know some people have referred to replacement images, but they are not quite the same as the good button that was the default for start8 before they ruined it.

It may sound silly, but that good start button was the primary deciding factor for my purchase of start8 over some competing software. Yes, I have no life, so I worry about things like this.