Ex-Microsoftie Takes On "Broken" Windows 8

Windows 8 is shaping up to be Microsoft's best mainstream OS to-date, but that hasn't stopped criticism of the platform, even bringing one former team member out of the woodwork to try to "fix" it. The bluntly titled Fixing Windows 8 is apparently the handiwork of ex-Microsoft program manager and current user interface designer Michael Bibik Jr., who has taken on the challenge of addressing what he sees as obvious flaws before the OS even reaches commercial PCs.

Among the issues observed are the absence of window controls for Metro apps, the newly introduced tablet-friendly software brought in concept over from the Windows Phone platform, about which Bibik scolds "How does a user know how to exit a Metro app? They can't minimize, they can't maximize, they can't exit." His concern – on Microsoft's behalf – is that users won't go to the effort of trying to figure out the new software's foibles, and will instead just abandon the confusing functionality. "I'm pretty sure this is where 75% of first-time users will simply give up" he wrote, "this will be so frustrating, people won't even try to fix it."

Bibik hasn't actively put his name to the site, but nor has he particularly hidden his former involvement with Microsoft. "While I am not trying to keep the site anonymous, I'd rather not give any interviews at this time" he said in a statement, but after a little digging Fox pulled up his name.

Bibik's frustrations with Windows 8 look to have struck at least some sort of chord, with the UI designer's site apparently down under the stress of visitors. However, not everyone is convinced the platform has significant holes; our own Chris Burns described the new OS as "fun", not something Microsoft has often been accused of in the past. Microsoft is yet to comment on the feedback.