Getting started with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

it has been a long while since I last blogged. Why?  I have immersed myself into the Windows 8 Metro style app development world..  :)

Now, it is time to report back and share some of my experiences building Metro style apps via some blog posts. I hope you come along for the ride.

Here is my list of "must know" links for anyone getting started with the Windows 8 consumer preview.

  • Download the recently released  Windows 8 Consumer Preview  and the Visual Studio 11 Beta tools for building Metro style apps.
  • The Windows 8 engineering team started a new Windows 8 App Developer blog where I am sure they will share insightful posts and spark some great conversations, like they have been doing in the Building Windows 8 blog and the Windows store for developers blog. You should subscribe to all these blogs and get ready to follow along and participate in the biggest developer opportunity, ever.
  • If you started prototyping with the build bits and have code to migrate, here is the white paper to help migrate code from //Build to Windows 8 Consumer Preview
  • If you need to immerse yourself into the Windows 8 UX Metro principles, you should check the brand new design center at https://design.windows.com
    In particular, you should check out the new design assets for Metro style apps.  The  assets package includes psds for layout, common controls, and components such as contracts, tiles, keyboard, etc.   You can download the assets from here
  • You should also download the "Consumer preview sample app pack"  that contains over 200 samples for almost anything related to Metro style app development..
  • If you need some inspiration and want to check out great hardware, great apps, and the latest Windows 8 UX, watch the video from the Consumer Preview announcement

That should keep you busy through the weekend!  

Happy Windows 8 coding!!