No more bing smart search? and other concerns

Drunkasaurus · 15 Oct 2014

I liked the graphical search that was available with Windows 8.1 and I don't understand why the current tech preview search app doesn't replicate this functionality. (I've attached a picture for those who aren't familiar with the feature) The search app that comes pinned to the taskbar is horrific, and I'm not sure what exactly the point of it is. Also, I'm concerned about how the transition between using the start screen and start menu is handled. I have a touch screen I use sporadically, and this isn't a big issue for me because I will just use the start menu and make apps full screen when I need to, but I noticed that when I tried switching to the start screen all my apps continued to open in windows, none of them defaulted to full screen. If I had one of those fancy "2 in one" machines, this would obviously be less than ideal...

No more bing smart search? and other concerns-bing_smart_search-1024.jpg

gregrocker · 16 Oct 2014

Be sure to express this in the 10 feedback app as they will be glad to know there are fans of this rich Search option by Bing. I don't use the Start Screen so haven't come across how to revive it in 10, but my understanding is the Continuum will offer it as default when installed to touchscreens, or at least offer the choice. How are you accessing it now?

Edwin · 16 Oct 2014

gregrocker said:

How are you accessing it now?

Taskbar Properties/Start Menu tab/uncheck "use the Start menu instead....."
or,
you could use Shawn's handy script:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...text-menu.html

Drunkasaurus · 17 Oct 2014

Edwin said:

Taskbar Properties/Start Menu tab/uncheck "use the Start menu instead....."
or,
you could use Shawn's handy script:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...text-menu.html

Yes, I've been using the first method. Although your link offers a quick toggle is doesn't change the fact that default window size and general operating system behavior should change when in touch and desktop mode. I've since done more research on "Continuum" and it seems like Microsoft wants to do what I'm suggesting but they are taking their time to make sure it works correctly. I'm fine with that. I'm worried about Bing Smart Search because it really was the only consistently impressive feature of Windows that I could show to people. It's hard to explain how useful it is to those who haven't used it but I really think the team that designed it did a phenomenal job and I'll be incredibly sad if it's getting canned.