Details have been slowly coming out over Windows 8, and yesterday Microsoft released the first preview of Windows 8, sporting a new look and feel. The focus, at least in the first preview, appears to be more of a touch based interface with App integration. The look is definitely quite different from Windows 7, I am not sure yet how I feel about it. However, as someone who is holding out hope that a true Windows Tablet/Slate emerges, seeing Windows 8 in action does offer a lot of promise. I have an iPad and a few weeks ago received an ASUS Eee Pad Transformer (be on the lookout for a review in the coming weeks!), but ultimately for me the ideal Tablet/Slate is one that provides the full PC experience, something iOS and Android simply cannot do currently. Windows 8 is slated to be released in 2012, so hopefully that means we will see the first beta released to the public before year end.
Per Microsoft, here are a few aspects of the new interface shown:
- Fast launching of apps from a tile-based Start screen, which replaces the Windows Start menu with a customizable, scalable full-screen view of apps.
- Live tiles with notifications, showing always up-to-date information from your apps.
- Fluid, natural switching between running apps.
- Convenient ability to snap and resize an app to the side of the screen, so you can really multitask using the capabilities of Windows.
- Web-connected and Web-powered apps built using HTML5 and JavaScript that have access to the full power of the PC.
- Fully touch-optimized browsing, with all the power of hardware-accelerated Internet Explorer 10.
Article by Damian
Hi, my name is Damian, and I'm tech gadget addict! Although I always had some interest in technology, it wasn't until I got my EX470 and more importantly found Mediasmartserver.net, that my interest became an addiction. My goal, aside from world domination and to see the Mets/Broncos win another championship, is to set up the perfect digital home where all my media is available at the click of a button. When I am not writing for Mediasmartserver.net you can find me over at my blog at http://www.adigitalhomeblog.com or follow me on twitter
{ 11 comments }
Damian–
Very good news. I agree that Windows 8 on a SOC ARM processor would be the answer. Keep us posted…and I look forward to your review of the Transformer!
Jim
This actually looks quite exciting. They’re obviously taking their cues from iOS and Android, with the idea of Windows 8 being at the heart of all sorts of devices from PC to smart phone to tablet… and family/living room.
I am still waiting to see if Media Center embedded ever takes off. That would really help to bring everything together.
Definitely ties in to the Windows Phone experience, but looks substantially more fluid. I did notice it’s Windows 7 “under the hood” when using Excel etc. It is interesting to me to see the evolution of the touch interface over something like the HP TouchSmart PC’s which were fairly cumbersome at least initially.
Apps on the main screen? Where have i seen that before? Oh, I know
http://www.apple.com/macosx/lion/
Ahh… was waiting for the obligatory Apple comment
Apps, Widgets, etc… nothing new there whether it by OSX or Windows.
Ja Ja Ja. I had to say something. All jokes aside Win8 looks good. I think the era of the mouse and keyboard is almost over.
Maybe for general computing as entertainment, but even Microsoft says the keyboard and mouse is here to stay for productivity work. Imagine using Excel or Word, much less Visual Studio or Eclipse without a keyboard or mouse.
Agreed. I have an HP Touchsmart PC. It really is great for my boys to use, as it is dead simple for them to get around the kid websites. However, from a productivity standpoint touch screen is an absolute waste in may respects.
This looks fantastic. Windows 7 is almost perfect for me and this ‘new’ tiled aproach similar to the mobiles means that it should be so much easier navigating on a TV with a remote. It’ll look a lot more professional too than going to desktop for a few seconds!!
Seems to me they are headed towards using a touchless interface like kinect. That interface is also very similar to xbox kinect interface.