Paul Allen highlights issues of new OS but insists users will get used to the changes

Microsoft co-founder labels Windows 8 as ‘promising, puzzling’

Billionaire investor Paul Allen has posted a hands-on review of the upcoming operating system, calling it both "puzzling" and "confusing initially".

However, Allen did continue to reassure potential users that they would eventually become accustomed with the new OS and its features.

The comments were made as part of a in-depth review posted to Allen’s personal blog, entitled "Paul’s take on Windows 8".

"I did encounter some puzzling aspects of Windows 8" stated Allen, who continued to highlight the operating system’s duel user interfaces, which he found confusing and were often duelling with one another.

Many of the concerns voiced by the billionaire investor echo claims long made by users and Microsoft analysts.

A key issue of the OS, which has come under heavy fire is its transition to the Modern desktop (formerly known as Metro) which has become the face of the new system.

Another criticism of Allen’s was the inability to replace this as the default view in favour of the traditional style desktop users have become familiar with through the years.

"Strangely, there is no way to set the desktop as your default view (there should be)," states Allen.

"This is one of the single biggest changes in Windows 8: the lack of the familiar Start menu."

Other annoyances mentioned within the post include the changes made to key system commands, such as shut down, which have all been organised into the new power tile feature.

"I found myself wishing that a power tile was available on the start screen to make these command more accessible," wrote Allen.

Initially founding Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, Allen left the firm in 1983 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease.

Microsoft will launch Windows 8 on October 26th, along with its highly anticipated Surface tablet. The date will also see the firm’s hardware partners release their latest devices, which will be equipped with the new OS.

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