My guess is that the Start Screen in Windows 8 becomes analogous to OS X’s Dashboard environment for most users. Of course, the fact that numerous settings can only be found and changed there, the analogy isn’t perfect in practice.
Instead of putting their foot on the gas on what the company has repeatedly said is the future, they are backing away from it.
Probably a smart move when it comes to Microsoft’s biggest customers — other companies — but not a brave one.