Microsoft has announced that it is to make some significant changes to the Windows 8 user interface, including dropping the Aero Glass effect that was first introduced in Windows Vista.

FORBES: Microsoft To Drop Aero From Windows 8 User Interface

There is a massive, wraparound glass staircase, and dropping down from the 24-foot-tall ceiling is a 12-foot-long "found art" light sculpture made by a local artist with steel rods and old trumpets, toy train tracks and parts of old pistons.

WSJ: The House With a Surprise Inside

In the same way the company crushed panes of competitors glass with a press last year, it's now dropping a 130 gram ball from a height to see what damage and havoc it can wreak.

ENGADGET: Corning demonstrates how strong its Gorilla Glass 3 really is (video)

During a visit to the hallowed Crimson halls, the team was kindly enough to show off the material through a series of messy, messy demos, dropping water, motor oil, liquid asphalt and newly-mixed concrete on aluminum and glass.

ENGADGET: SLIPS liquid repeller is inspired by carnivorous plants, enemy to insects and graffiti artists alike