Online leaks of the upcoming Windows Blue, the next version of Windows, indicate that it would have features that would make it easier to use both its Metro and Desktop interfaces.

Extremetech reported that among the standout feature of Windows Blue are the availability of more Start screen customisation, more ways to view apps side-by-side, Internet Explorer 11 and resizable tiles which is already present in Windows Phone 8.

With the new snap view, two windows can be snapped side-by-side with both snaps taking up half the size of the display. It will also have the option to have for apps displayed at the same time.

Windows Blue would also allow full customization of the Start screen background and accent color instead of only 30 pre-set colours.

It also features a new gesture, the swipe up from the bottom of the Start screen, to show all installed apps. And unlike in Windows 8 which offers the option to snap one app to the left or the right of the screen and to run another app side-by-side, with Windows Blue, apps could be run perfectly split in the middle 50/50, similar to the Aero Snap on the Desktop.

While Windows Blue is the successor to Windows 8, it is not Windows 9 but an updated version of Windows 8. Previous leaks said that Microsoft is working to release Windows Blue to manufacturing by summer of 2013.

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