In this concept, i try to redesign the taskbar, flatten it (its the trend now), and make it more consistence with the whole Windows modern UI. The icon style also replaced with modern UI one. But, unlike todays Windows 8 taskbar that only display running desktop app, this taskbar - which i rename to "taskbox" will contain both running desktop , modern UI app, .
I also explore the idea of unified notification box. The idea is to have notification system that always visible on desktop and on the Start screen (and later in the Windows Phone 9 Start screen), so the whole thing would be consistences and discoverable.

 

This concept also replaced the old windows small tray UI that have lesser sense in todays touch based interface.

I imagine, the notification box can be expanded, so the user can response to what they see quickly. I guess, i will make the mockup UI for that later.

I bring the "Taskbox" into the Start screen UI, change the shape of it to match the Start screen grouping icon.  The function is the same. It will contain the notification box, pinned app and running app (both desktop and modern UI app). The "Taskbox" will always be placed in the left side, so it will always visible when user go back to Start screen.

Last image is the implementation on Windows Phone UI. The experience is consistence, just like on the tablet and desktop PC. The taskbox will always visible ont the start screen. It stays at the top of the screen for quick access. It can contain frequent used app, favorite live tile, notification box and display running app.