Tip UsMicrosoft’s BUILD conference in Anaheim, California kicked off this week which is an event for developers only and they wasted no time in showing of Windows 8 in its tablet form.
It’s important to note however that the version of Windows 8 running on the tablet is a developers preview so it is still an OS under construction.
The tablet which Windows 8 was running on is a Samsung Windows Developer Preview PC. It was running on a 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 processor, a Samsung Super PLS 1366 x 768 display, and one full year of 2GB/mo AT&T 3G included for free. Microsoft give each of the 5000 developers at the event the tablet for free.
The tablet given to the developer was described as “Developer Preview Software” with “Developer Preview Hardware.” The software installed on the tablet will allow them to develop the platform to its final state so it can be released to the mass market. It includes Developer Preview applications, tools, and a recovery environment.
Windows 8 Interface and Features
During the conference we got a first look at the Windows 8 OS running on a tablet. which is not too dissimilar to the OS running on the Windows 7 Phone. The idea behind the new Windows 8 “Metro-style” tiled interface, is to develop an Operation System that can work better with apps and play better with touchscreen devices.
They have some catching up to do with Apple who have already blended parts of their mobile and desktop operating systems together; integrating features from iOS into Mac OS X Lion. Microsoft claim they are going one step further however, not only do they want to do that but they hope that Windows 8 will work equally well on both Desktop computer and tablet.
The start up screen (lockscreen) is pretty much what we’re used to with Windows Phone devices, it looks and feels the same. It gives you updates such as time, weather and if you have any new emails.
The tiles are also reiszable customizable, giving you full control over the space. The tiles can link to other applications or sit and work by themselves.
The touch keyboard on Windows 8 is like a supersized version of the keyboard on Windows phone devices with a bunch of other features added in. You can easily switch between the two version of the keyboard; one of which is a normal style keyboard and the other a split layout.
The split layout separates the keyboard onto either side of the screen that makes typing on devices such as a tablet much easier so you can type away with both hands whilst still holding the tablet.
Windows 8 automatically suggests words as you type, presenting a large Insert key right on the keyboard.
Internet Explorer 10 is touch-friendly
IE9 showed us that Microsoft have finally realized the importance of supporting modern Web standards. IE10 builds on its predecessor in terms of web standards and has some modest additions that surpass anything seen in current web browsers. It has more hardware acceleration than IE 9, better performance and better security.
The latest version of IE will be available as a Metro-style app and has the ability to run “chromeless” in a full-screen mode and a touch-friendly design.
If you swipe down from the top of the screen you reveal the tabs and address bar. Much like any other browser when typing in the address bar a drop down list provides access to frequently visited sites. If you press and hold a tab it starts an InPrivate session for those who don’t want to leave a trace of their online activities. Browsing webpages and going back and forth between tabs on a tablet has never been easier.
Picture Password
One of the new features integrated into Windows 8 is the “picture password”. The idea behind the picture password is that when you see a specific photo or image you are able perform three gestures such as to drawing a shape or touching two eyes on the photo then drawing a line between them. If you draw the correct combination, you will be logged in.
Apps and Cloud Connections
Integrated into Windows 8 are Windows Live Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Messaging apps. They are cleverly embedded into the Windows 8 interface and are all designed in the same Metro-style as Windows 8. They stay constantly updated via cloud connections. The mail app makes it easy to browse your mail, simply swipe to select messages for deletion or access all your folders with a single touch.
The Calendar app again in the same style lets you view your full schedule; you can also view other family members schedules side-by-side. The People app brings together your contacts from a variety of services. The Messaging apps lets you start conversations over Windows Live or Facebook.
The Photo app not only displays local photos on your computer but images you have hosted online. The app works seamlessly on the tablet and is very smooth. Not only does it bring all your photos together but it makes sharing them simple; select photos, place them in your digital basket, and share them in a few clicks.
Windows Store
Microsoft showed off the Windows Store which is the app shop. You can download new free and paid apps to your Windows 8 device. Microsoft will be regulating apps to make sure the apps offered on the Windows store are of the highest quality. They will also offer customers trials of the apps so they can try before purchasing.
Modern Control Panel
The control panel on Windows has also been updated to fit in with the new Windows 8 design. There is a list of options on the left side with further categories displayed on the right. Within the Control Panel you can customize the lockscreen, tiles and change the settings for the device.
Task Manager gets an overhaul
Microsoft have even completely redesigned Task Manager for the first time in over 20 years. It includes a very simple menu of tasks you can end, plus other new features and capabilities.
For those who like a more detailed view of what is going on under the hood of their computer, you can check out the detailed view, which shows just how much resources each app is using.
Windows 8 Wrap-up
It’s easy to see Microsoft have put a lot of effort into this next generation Operating System and it’s easy to see why it’s the world’s most popular OS. Windows has constantly been evolving however this new facelift which has been designed to accommodate a new era of computers is the most significant update Windows has ever seen.
The “Metro-style” interface that integrates apps opens up a whole new world of possibilities. For now it’s now in the hands of the developers to provide us with an even better final build.
What are your thoughts on Windows 8? Let us know via Twitter, Facebook or leave us a comment below.
