MSDN:
We applied the principles of “clean and crisp” when updating window and taskbar chrome. Gone are the glass and reflections. We squared off the edges of windows and the taskbar. We removed all the glows and gradients found on buttons within the chrome. We made the appearance of windows crisper by removing unnecessary shadows and transparency. The default window chrome is white, creating an airy and premium look. The taskbar continues to blend into the desktop wallpaper, but appears less complicated overall.
A cleaner look, just like OS X. I like it better than the glassy stuff on Vista and 7, looks more elegant and simple. And before you ask why I write about Windows: I use Windows regularly at work, it’s just the way it is. Also, since Windows 7, Microsoft has done a good job on their OS. Don’t get me wrong, I still choose and prefer OS X, but I’m glad that if I have to use Windows, it works better than it used to. That said, I’m still not sure about the whole metro on the desktop thing, on a tablet yes, on a desktop…
