Windows 8 Preview in February
Sometime this month Microsoft is planning to release their highly anticipated Windows 8 operating system for alpha or beta testing. This means two things:
- the final product, in fact, will be available sometime this summer, and
- the developers will have a chance to write or re-write their apps to be compatible with the new operating system.
Following Apple and Google's steps, Microsoft should soon release their own, proprietary app store – a one-stop shop for all of those new apps. We guess, Microsoft Office 15 will be the very first suite featured in that store. But there is enough time before summer to make sure that it is not the only application in that store.
Let's kick it back and see what Windows 8 brings to the table.
Windows 8 will be available on tablets, laptops, and PCs.The rumor is that Windows 8 will support ARM processors, but it could be just a rumor, since Intel is working hard to enter mobile SoC architecture to be used for phones and tablets. Also:
- Windows 8 will be able to boot up in 8 seconds while displaying cute graphics, just like any modern cellular phone does.
- When started, Live tiles will keep you both entertained and updated with real-time information on what's relevant to you.
- Gone are the days when you had to restart every single day – you will have to do it less frequently now.
- Redesigned network stack will support 3G, 4G and improved Wi-Fi connectivity.
- The system will also include a new file system architecture with improved file management.
Windows 8 may run on your older computers, those that used to run Windows XP (with loss of some key functions, though), which means no need to cash out for brand new hardware. I can't wait for Windows 8 to come out!
Update: Windows 8 will run on ARM processor systems, while legacy applications will not run on those systems. But they should run on Intel-based architecture devices. Still no precise word on pricing and the release date.
