Sneak Peak at Microsoft "Windows 8"

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David Meego - Click for blog homepageA couple of days ago, I was asked by a friend about getting a Windows tablet computer. I mentioned that the main concern with Windows tablets running on Windows 7 is battery life. While you do get a fully fledged computer with all the functionality of a desktop or laptop, battery life to date has not reached the same levels as tablets running on other less comprehensive operating systems.

Then I explained that the next version of Windows, codenamed "Windows 8", will have native support for low power consuming processors such as ARM or Nvidia processors which will allow Windows based tablets to get the sort of battery life expected from smartphones rather than laptops. I also mentioned that the Windows 8 user interface would be better optimised for "touch" and so would provide a better experience for a tablet or touch screen computer.

However, until yesterday, I had not actually seen any of this new user interface. Well at the D9 Conference, "Windows 8" was demoed for the first time.  Below is an excerpt from the press release explaining what was demonstrated:

Here are a few aspects of the new interface we showed today:

  • 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.

We also showed effortless movement between existing Windows programs and new Windows 8 apps. The full capabilities of Windows continue to be available to you, including the Windows Explorer and Desktop, as does compatibility with all Windows 7 logo PCs, software and peripherals.

For the full press release, have a look at the Microsoft News Center article Previewing "Windows 8".

Watch the video below and enjoy:

[View:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92QfWOw88I]

More information will be revealed at the upcoming developer event, BUILD in September in California.

While this is only a sneak peak. I like what I see. Looks like the Windows Phone 7 "Metro" user interface is spreading.

David