Windows 8 leaks as Microsoft renames Metro

There are numerous inevitabilities when it comes to the Internet, and one is that Windows will get pirated. It has happened already, in the form of Windows 8 Enterprise N, which has apparently hit the shadier parts of the internet today.

Not that we are encouraging piracy, not only is it illegal, but if you are wanting to try out Windows 8 you can still grab the consumer release preview. Plus Microsoft’s attempts to finally lure people off Windows XP in the form of $40 upgrades makes Windows 8 the cheapest OS from Microsoft so far.

It comes as websites are reporting that Microsoft is backing away from using the term Metro to define the user interface in Windows 8 and Windows Phone. The rumours point to some sort of trademark dispute being behind the change, which has employees now referring to it as ‘New User Interface’.

According to ZDNet, the official line is that Metro was only ever a codename. Which is odd seeing as it has been used to refer to Windows Phone ever since its launch.

The Genie is out of the bottle, however, and while Microsoft may be able to change internal terminology, one wonders whether the internet will oblige. Somehow we see the term Metro sticking around, regardless of whether it is a codename or trademark infringement.