We have earlier seen the Ribbon UI in leaked builds of Windows 8, today Microsoft has officially posted on the Building Windows 8 blog showing the changes made in Windows Explorer. The telemetry data indicates that top 10 commands amounts to 81.8% of Explorer Command use, which includes Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Rename, Properties, Refresh, New and Command Bar while according to the information only 10.9% come from the Command bar which is the most visible part in Windows Explorer in Windows 7 or Vista.
Microsoft has highlighted some of the goals with this new Windows Explorer which includes-
1. Optimize Explorer for file management tasks. Return Explorer to its roots as an efficient file manager and expose some hidden gems, those file management commands already in Explorer that many customers might not even know exist.
2. Create a streamlined command experience. Put the most used commands in the most prominent parts of the UI so they are easy to find, in places that make sense and are reliable. Organize the commands in predictable places and logical groupings according to context, and present relevant information right where you need it.
3. Respect Explorer’s heritage. Maintain the power and richness of Explorer and bring back the most relevant and requested features from the Windows XP era when the current architecture and security model of Windows permits.
The new Ribbon UI has the Home Tab, Share Tab, View Tab and the manage tab, with important functions like cut, copy, paste, new, rename available on the home tab itself.
Home Tab
Microsoft has also added improved keyboard shortcuts in Windows Explorer, like using the alt key you would be getting instant access to all the features. Another new feature has been added to the explorer is the copy path. Copy Path is useful when you want to share things on the network or mostly used during programming.
Windows 8 Shortcuts
Another thing that has been added is the share tab, With one click you can email, share files with your home group.
Windows 8 Share
The View tab has also been introduced where we can see the live previews of the picture sizes, the details view has also been re organized.
Microsoft has also uploaded a video showing the new features in Windows Explorer. The desktop screen in the video shows that the screenshots are from
Build 8059 with build string as
6.2.8059.winmain.110729-1857 which states that the build was compiled on August 29. You can check the complete video
here - scroll down to bottom.
