Microsoft Launches Windows 8 Consumer A Preview

The much awaited trial version of Windows 8 was introduced by the tech giant Microsoft

at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on February 29, 2011 for public testing. Speculations were rife about this launch as Microsoft was expected to make it compatible for processors working on the ARM platform used in tablets and other mobile devices. ARM processors are relatively less power consuming and smaller in size that makes them tailor-made for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. Microsoft has posed a serious challenge before Apple and Google by making Windows 8 compatible with small devices as so far the former two were unchallenged player of this segment.

However, Microsoft has not yet disclosed the other improved features of this Windows 7 successor but the fact cant be denied that with this release Microsoft is expecting to regain its losing foothold in the industry. The ARM factor is seen as the biggest increment to Microsoft as Windows 8 will run with ARM processors used in tablets and smartphones. Industry experts believe that this launch is very timely as tablets are gaining momentum across the world as a replacement of desktop and laptops. It is expected that Windows on ARM (WOA) will be a different version of Windows 8 that will coincide with the launch of Windows version for AMD and Intel processors used in desktops and laptops. It was categorically stated by Windows executives that WOA will not support either of the Windows 7 legacy applications. WOA will include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. The WOA version of Windows 8 will also offer users Internet Explorer 10 and other Windows desktop features that have been specially designed for touch and low powered devices.

Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows division described Windows 8 and said "It's beautiful, it's modern, it's fast, it's fluid. Windows 8 is a generational change in the windows operating system".

The traditional Start menu will remain missing in Windows 8 because Microsoft designers have arranged applications icons across a mosaic of tiles called as Metro. Microsoft executives stated that the new OS will power up the PC in eight seconds which is much faster than its predecessor.

The tiles across the mosaic will look like road signs and those can be navigated with a single finger movement on the screen for touch devices and with keyboard and mouse on a traditional desktop or laptop. During the World Mobile Congress, Microsoft executives helped users understand how they can use their fingertips to swipe in and out of applications. They also spoke about how the Windows 8 screen could be used as gaming board for two people or a big drawing tablet.

The test version was downloaded in about 70 countries after Microsoft gave its presentation of Windows 8. However, the company did not disclose the number of downloads. The trial version of Windows 8 can be downloaded from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview.

The success of this new software could be a boost to the struggling and moribund PC making companies like Hewlett-Packard Co. and Dell Inc. This could encourage businesses and consumers to opt for new PCs with innovative features and benefits. Moreover, the compatibility of Windows 8 with ARM processors could clear the way for hybrid devices taking cues from both laptops and tablets. Thus you should not wonder if you see a product combining the mobility of a tablet with the convenience of a notebook computer.

by: Polly M Quinton

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