View Modern Windows 8 apps on the Desktop
ModernMix is a Windows 8 app that will allow you to open Modern apps in windows on your desktop. With the touch of a button you can make Modern apps feel more like traditional Windows 7 programs. This 30 free trial of ModernMix contains all the features of the full product.
Features
ModernMix can open Modern apps as the normal fullscreen, maximized fullscreen windows, or smaller windows. You can set different appearances for programs opened through the start menu or desktop. ModernMix can also be used to disable the app opening flip animation and display fullscreen Modern apps on the taskbar.
ModernMix includes a list of recently used applications where you can set how each one appears when opened. However, due to either a bug or strange design this list does not update in real time. Instead you must quit the program and reopen it to see new apps.
Usability
ModernMix is very straightforward and easy to understand. Even though it modifies Modern apps, ModernMix itself opens directly on the desktop in a window. All settings are controlled by toggling checkboxes that are clearly labeled and explained. There are also buttons to toggle automatic updates or quickly open the ModernMix forum.
When viewing a Modern app a ModerMix overlay will appear in the top right corner. Pressing this icon will switch between the three appearances modes. You can also use F10 to quickly switch through modes. In ModernMix’s settings menu you can choose to hide the overlay or change the hotkey.
Quality
ModernMix is rather plain looking with simple white backgrounds and basic menus. The Modern app overlays are small and may be unnoticed until rolled over and clicked. The taskbar icons use the same image as the Modern app’s tile. One downside is that taskbar hover previews do not always work, often times showing a blank screen.
ModernMix’s integration is seamless, which could lead you to forget that the app is even running. The app has no apparent performance issues, even when running multiple windows.
Conclusion
ModernMix is a great way to view Windows 8 apps on the desktop. The trial contains all the features of the full version for 30 days. While there are some minor bugs, ModernMix is a fast and simple way to change Modern app appearances.
