They need at least one killer "Modern" (windows 8 only) application. I can't see anything modern apps can do that normal desktop apps can't. The interface is d

They need at least one killer "Modern" (windows 8 only) application. I can't see anything modern apps can do that normal desktop apps can't. The interface is dramatically different, and that can be a plus if the right app came along that you WANTED to use your fingers to control over a keyboard and mouse. Off the top of my head, I could imagine a hardware/software combination that automates your house. A wifi connected controller box would use the power lines in your house to transmit information (like x10 does) to cheap replacement switches and outlets; letting you control what does and doesn't get power. Maybe the outlets track how much electricity your household devices are using and you can get a pretty graph. Maybe they use a threshold to determine when a device is in standby mode and give you the option to automatically cut it's trickle power. Maybe an IR breakout box lets you control your entertainment center. Some sort of wifi streaming box lets you stream audio from one room to another. Maybe a few wifi enabled cheap cameras you can mount around let you monitor your rooms. All of these features would be controlled centrally through a windows 8 modern device. I could see something like this being a good use of the simple design of metro applications. Wasn't there a Microsoft home concept a long time ago? What happened to that? I hope Redmond devotes more energy to developing killer apps in the near future. I think they could turn this around if they get normal consumers inspired.