117 karma · joined January 12, 2012
http://verizonmath.blogspot.com/2007/08/original-recording-o...
1) https://mail.mozilla.org/pipermail/es-discuss/2008-August/00...
(Disclaimer: I work for MS).
TypeScript has (I believe) a mostly compatible implementation of these classes if you want to try them out in today's runtimes.
Also, I'm not sure Windows 8 was ever marketed as the most openly developed OS in the world. It IS the most open of any Microsoft OS to date, however, so maybe that's why you are confused.
1) There were some exceptions to this rule I believe for WP8 apps but I'm not entirely clear on the details.
(Microsoft employee)
There are many, but one compelling reason is having the best of both worlds. You may disagree on whether it's possible or not, but that is the goal: two usage modes in one device.
> Why else would they do away completely with the start menu for desktop use and force the start screen?
Because it's better [1].
(I am an employee but these are entirely my own opinions and experiences)
[1] http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/11/reflecting-on-...
Windows key brings you to the start screen or from the start screen back to the app (or desktop) you were viewing. Winkey + D displays the desktop.
1. http://blockchain.info/charts/estimated-transaction-volume-u...)