Despite the use of the Ribbon (which doesn't seem all that bad since you can still customize it if you can't get used to it), I think MS is actually listening to people and using the feedback.
The 'up' button is back! As they said, it's the most requested feature in explorer. I even put back the 'up button' keyboard shortcut via Auto Hot Key. Also 'Open command prompt' is in there now. (Finally!) Plus they plan on having shortcuts for every command. I think by listening, including these additions, and reintroducing customizability, they took a big step forward in usability.
You've actually always(at least since W2K) been able to get the "open command prompt" option by holding Shift when right-clicking in a folder, and I think there's some tweak deep down in the bowels of Windows that turns it on permanently.
Wow didn't know about that, thanks. I've been using AHK for that too. Press Win+C and a prompt will open at that location. It's much faster than shift-clicking through a menu.
I wonder how many others knew about the "open command prompt" who really did need it. Revealing it in the Ribbon is a double-win then, because now you immediately know it's there and you can now also use a keyboard shortcut.
The 'up' button is back! As they said, it's the most requested feature in explorer. I even put back the 'up button' keyboard shortcut via Auto Hot Key. Also 'Open command prompt' is in there now. (Finally!) Plus they plan on having shortcuts for every command. I think by listening, including these additions, and reintroducing customizability, they took a big step forward in usability.