Microsoft has officially unveiled some key new features of its forthcoming operating system. The next-generation OS, which may or may not be called “Windows 8” (its “internal code-name”), delivers a completely re-imagined user interface, with a heavy emphasis on touch-based functionality that takes a hefty helping of inspiration from the Windows Phone UI.
One of the first major design changes from previous Windows versions is the completely overhauled Windows Start menu, which has been replaced with a colorful tiled design that evokes the Exposé screen of Firefox, or other similar quick-screen-navigation features found in most new web browsers. Rather than web pages, however, the new Start screen shows both static program icons and widgets, called “live tiles,” which provide constant notifications and updates. Windows 8 also allows users to access all the files on their computer in the same visualized way that programs are accessed, which helps make the OS easy to navigate with touch alone.
Since Windows 8 is obviously designed with tablets in mind (but can be used with a standard mouse and keyboard), users switch from application to application by swiping left and right in a similar fashion to mobile phone OSs, like Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. Apps included with the OS, like a weather app, a stock ticker app, and a built-in news app, all take advantage of the entire screen. Fortunately, Windows 8 still allows for multitasking, and multiple apps can be viewed simultaneously on the same screen simply by dragging and dropping the app window onto the main screen.
Windows 8 also takes advantage of current web standards, like HTML 5 and JavaScript, and is optimized to work with Microsoft’s upcoming web browser, Internet Explorer 10.
Overall, Windows 8 looks like a step in the right direction for Microsoft, as it tries to compete with the touchscreen powerhouse of Apple’s iPad line and its iOS software. Windows 8 is still far from complete, however, and it is not yet clear when the software will be publicly available, though some guess a fall 2012 time frame. Check back with Digital Trends soon for the latest Windows 8 news.
i will try it
I definitely like this looks of this a lot…I think both Android and Win8 are making iOS look pretty plain and simplistic (button tiling is the best apple could come up with?)
I definitely like this looks of this a lot…I think both Android and Win8 are making iOS look pretty plain and simplistic (button tiling is the best apple could come up with?)
Very nice! Lots of cool things to look forward to, but I hope this also works on large SmartTV-like monitors. Standing up, and moving around alot is not such a bad thing. We have become complacent and less active because of mice and keyboards. this may be a step in the right direction for getting people to MOVE.
i will try it
Why! Du, another version another list of problems, no thanks!
Why! Du, another version another list of problems, no thanks!
i will try it
HOPE THE SYSTEM WORKS BETTER THAN THE DEMO. WOULDN’T PLAY.
HOPE THE SYSTEM WORKS BETTER THAN THE DEMO. WOULDN’T PLAY.
I definitely like this looks of this a lot…I think both Android and Win8 are making iOS look pretty plain and simplistic (button tiling is the best apple could come up with?)
Can’t wait for the beta and test it out on my HP Touchsmart
At around the 3:00 mark they show older MS Office apps running. It looks like there is an actual desktop complete with apps running in the taskbar just like Windows 7. So this makes me think that perhaps the GUI we are seeing is imply just running on top of the traditional desktop.
Looks like the new Xbox GUI or Windows Phone 7. Lots of similarities going on here. I like it.
looks like a steaming pile of cow dung ill stick with 7 and hope that this is another vista and does not catch on