What looks to be like a quiet experimentation from Microsoft to test the waters by adopting and testing out features that looks to be from several poular sites .I think the Start.com has worked closely with the consolodated feedback which MS sites have recieved over the years and pose a fresh look with a little bit of a 'internet-based app' feeling . In other words this looks start.com could very well be the initial phase of what Microsoft would potentially see as truly anytime anywhere ,carry your app online sort of theory.
Lets see what Microsoft has to say about the same :
Being a preview release,you may experience some glitches from time to time or features that may not be fully polished or complete. Here are some of the things the Start Team is currently working on:
PROS
1.Layout
One of the big highs is the layout options,add columns ,remove columns,hide them or put one over the other ! Layers of content can be played around with gathered from a variety of sources .
2.Who needs a rss reader !
With the inbuit rss reader in the site ,this means that you can add and rearrange rss content in a few humble clicks,search for rss or choose from the editors pick. Entering the world of RSS was never easier.
3.Variety of sources
Content from the follwing sources can be consolidated and placed as per your desired layout ,by draggin them :
- Search engines
- news
- RSS
So that means once u arrange a layout or even leave a news half read and close...it stays that way when you come back
As you may have seen from the screenies,when you search , a new layer(dhtml im guessing) pops up with the results of your search,you can then
- pin the search onto your main start page
- expland or collapse searched item results
- close or open content in new window ,with your previous content still intact
Check out Start here or the Start.com blog here.