Posted by The Blogging Desk on Tue, Jul 05, 2011
- by Joe, "I Don't Need No Stinking Christmas Carol Reference". Figaniak
With Windows 8 not to be expected to RTM (Release to Manufacturing) until at least April 2012, there sure has been a lot of anticipation and hype brewing south of the latest article's comment boxes. People have been referring to the new OS, previewed on June 1st at the D9 Conference, as an "iKiller". Comments ranging from "I will sell my (insert iProduct) to get one of these." to the typical "Windows sucks, Apple rules!" it's definitely too early to tell just how this OS will be received by the consumer world. With that being said, there will always be biases towards a particular brand, so random comments by "haters" can't be taken too seriously.
The 'Building "Windows 8" - Video #1' video released by Microsoft shows a Windows 8 tablet with some pretty interesting features, while backing itself up with smooth flowing graphics and a touch interface. A number of features shown in the video and listed in numerous Microsoft articles follows:
Windows 8 will be geared towards desktops, laptops, and tablets.
Windows 8 is designed with and impressive touch interface.
+Works equally well with keyboard and mouse peripheral input.
+Virtual keyboard shown off in video has touch support, as well as split keyboard support for thumb input when holding with two hands.
+Browser is fully optimized for touch browsing in Internet Explorer 10.
Tile based, always up to date, Start Screen replaces previous Windows Start menus.
+Windows Desktop, Explorer, and Start Menu remain intact behind initial Start Screen.
+Previous Windows apps such as MS Office will have full support and be fully integrated as well as being compatible with existing Windows 7 PCs, software, and peripherals.
Windows 8 apps can be built upon the new development platform based on HTML5 and JavaScript.
+Apps will be web-connected and web-powered and have access to full power of the PC.
+Multitasking will be as easy as snapping or resizing an app to the side of the screen.
In the most recent build, support for SMS (Short Message Service), was found.
+Would allow for Windows 8 based devices to send and receive text messages.
Also found in the code was some sort of pre-feature licensing.
+Possible allowing Microsoft to provide users with a 'barebones' version of Windows 8 and then advise users to purchase and add features in the future when necessary.
From the Microsoft's video, it was clear that when this OS is in full swing it can and will definitely give iOS a run for its money. In the video, Microsoft clearly shows it's moving in the right direction with its simplistic look of the Start Screen coupled with the power and features of the PCs we've come to know and love. This interface looks sweet and they aren’t sacrificing looks for power and productivity, that's a given.
It seems that Microsoft is looking to make Windows 8 'the OS to have', announcing support for ARM architecture and SoC. Not only should we be seeing desktops and laptops, but with this added support, Windows 8 tablets and phones in the future, utilizing the processor's low-cost and low-power consumption.
There are also talks about native 3D monitor support in one of the latest builds. It seems Microsoft is clearly thinking into the future and preparing their technology for the long run, which is great! It's better to be over-prepared than under, and Microsoft is trying to prove that with this latest up-and-coming OS.
I guess we will just have to wait and see what other accoutrements will be heading to Windows 8 to accent all these new features Microsoft is pumping into its big hit of 2012.
