Andre Yoskowitz
1 Jun 2011 23:18
This afternoon, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8, the upcoming operating system that should be a complete overhaul from Windows 7, released in 2009.
The goal of the OS, Microsoft says, is for users to have the same great experience whether they are on a tablet or on a desktop.
Microsoft showed off a new start screen that looks reminiscent of the tile-based UI of Windows Phone 7.
All programs can be viewed as tiles, and clickable with a mouse, or with the touch of a finger.
Windows 8 will also run two types of apps. The first are standard Windows apps while the others are HTML5/Javascript apps and should be optimized for tablets because they are "web-powered."
The OS will bring a touch interface, an app market, backwards compatibility, and an easier way for developers to share in revenue.
For those with lower-end systems, Microsoft says W8 will use less resources than even Windows 7.