Thinix Unveils RetroUI™ - Automatically return to the Classic Desktop in Windows 8

MILFORD, Iowa, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thinix [thin-iks], a leader in user interface design, managed services, and secure computing, today announced the release of RetroUI™ for Windows 8. RetroUI allows users to bypass the new 'Windows 8 Metro User Interface' (commonly known as the Metro UI). Users simply log in as normal and automatically load into the classic Windows desktop¹. Starting at $4.95 for use on up to 3 devices, RetroUI is an affordable solution to users who don't want or need the Metro desktop feature in Windows 8.

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RetroUI for Windows 8 – At a Glance:

• Automatically bypass the Metro Start screen in Windows 8
• Users see the classic Windows desktop¹ at logon
• Users can return to the Metro desktop as needed
• Does not alter Windows 8 security settings
• Optionally, new Metro features can be disabled/locked-out by RetroUI
• Simple to install and configure
• Enterprise class application; Scalable, Secure, Multilanguage, and works over RDP

RetroUI for Windows 8 – Getting Back to Business

RetroUI provides immediate ROI to enterprises deploying Windows 8 on legacy PCs.  Users who don't need the clutter or confusion of the Metro desktop can work efficiently with the new Metro features bypassed or disabled by RetroUI.

"Only specially written Metro-Apps run on the Metro desktop in Windows 8. So, in order to run thousands of ordinary business applications, users need to leave the Metro desktop and run the application from the classic Windows desktop," said Anthony Clark, VP of Business Development at Thinix. "RetroUI eliminates this inefficient back-and-forth problem by providing a way for users to login directly into the classic Windows desktop – skipping over all the unneeded Metro features."

RetroUI – User Experience

Once logged in, users see the classic Windows desktop and can use the PC much like they did in Windows XP or Windows 7.  Users can return to the Metro desktop and use Metro features as needed.  In situations where administrators want to restrict users to the classic Windows desktop RetroUI can be configured to eliminate/lock-out the new Metro features in Windows 8 (Charms Bar, Hot Corners, and Metro Switcher).  So, in an enterprise situation, RetroUI can be used to restrict task workers to the classic Windows desktop and fully eliminates complexities associated with the Metro desktop.

RetroUI – Removing barriers in enterprise adoption of Windows 8

In Windows 8, Microsoft made the decision to require that all PCs load the Metro desktop after login.  This decision has caused many organizations to delay or even cancel a migration to Windows 8 because they do not desire to train users to deal with the Metro User Interface. RetroUI provides a way for these organizations to rapidly move to Windows 8 while allowing users to maintain the traditional look and feel of Windows.  The result is an increase in efficiency for users without the need for substantial retraining, and allowing organizations to migrate to Windows 8 without the headaches caused by the new Metro features.

RetroUI for Windows 8 – Core features:

• Automatically return to the classic Windows desktop¹ after login.
• Supports local and Remote Desktop (RDP) user sessions.
• In multi-monitor configurations all monitors display a classic Windows desktop.
• Optionally, advanced users can completely disable the Metro features in Windows 8.
• Secure architecture doesn't change or modify the underlying security of Windows 8, and does not require users to have administrative permissions.
• Supports command line configuration and licensing for enterprise level deployment.
• No spyware, ads, malware, or gimmicks.  RetroUI is trusted and secure.
• Flexible, inexpensive licensing for personal, business, and educational users.  A 14-day fully functional trial is available.
• Multi-language support.  RetroUI will initially be available in English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

Availability and Pricing

RetroUI is immediately available for purchase starting at $4.95 for personal use on up to three computers and RetroUI Pro is available as low as $4.95 per PC for business use. Thinix RetroUI Pro is available with bulk licensing for enterprise applications. A discount of approximately 50% is available for educational and non-profit applications. A 14-day fully functional trial is available.

About Thinix

Thinix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of R & D Industries, Inc. a 28 year old technology research, development and engineering firm with market focuses on engineering, software development, OEM software and hardware solutions, user interface technology, teleconferencing, embedded systems architecture, cryptography, network and PC security architecture, as well as cloud computing and virtualization solutions. Thinix technology is installed worldwide in military, hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and agricultural applications.

Note ¹ – Users can still create shortcuts on the classic Windows desktop and pin applications to the Windows taskbar for common applications. However, the Start menu has been removed from the classic Windows desktop in Windows 8.  For this reason, users may also want to consider products such as Thinix MyMashup™ (Thinix.com/MyMashup) as a Start menu replacement when using Thinix RetroUI.

RetroUI is designed and tested to work with Windows 8 version - 9200.win8_rtm.120725-1247.  Registered users of RetroUI will be able to download feature enhancements and updates to RetroUI.  For more detailed technical information, see the RetroUI.com.

Thinix MyMashup™

Thinix MyMashup™ for Windows 8, is now in beta-release and will be in full release by October 2012.  MyMashup provides a touch friendly (and mouse compatible) user interface that runs inside the classic Windows desktop on Windows 8 computers.  MyMashup provides a fluid tablet-style overlay on top of the classic Windows desktop.  Users can swipe to move between groups of icons, allowing them to run applications, browse files or open websites.  MyMashup can provide links to classic Windows applications, Metro apps, websites, cloud cervices, local or network applications, and the user's cloud storage.  MyMashup enhances the Windows 8 user experience by allowing users to do the work they need to do without switching back and forth between the Metro desktop and the classic Windows desktop.  It can be used on touchscreen or non-touchscreen PCs, and for those users who are not big fans of the Metro UI in Windows 8, it brings a user experience to Windows which is similar to Android and Apple IOS.

Thinix®, RetroUI™, Thinix RetroUI™, and Thinix MyMashup™ are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Thinix / R & D Industries, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Thinix