Previewing Windows 8 - the OS for All Devices

On June 1^st, 2011, Microsoft premiered their new operating system, Windows 8 at the D9 Conference. Instead of a step back like Vista was, Microsoft has continued to make big steps forwards as they have with Windows 7. The major development is the fact Microsoft plans to make Windows 8 the go to OS for devices as small as 8 inch tablets up to 30 inch desktop monitors. By having a single OS for all types of screen sizes, devices and resolutions, it makes Windows 8 highly desirable for developers. Develop a program or app under the OS and it is compatible for a wide variety of devices.

Microsoft has taken much of their cues from the successful Windows 7 phone, which uses the Metro UI. This leads to the first major difference home users will see '" big tiles versus icons. The tiles work similar to the gadgets in Windows 7. However, the tiles can be used to run live applications or launch programs just like an icon.

The entire Windows 8 interface is optimized for touch based input versus the usual point and click. This doesn't mean both options won't be available, especially for the majority of users who won't want to upgrade their computer to a touch screen model. However, the option will be there for touch screen devices.

The interface works well with any applications designed specifically for it. Once again, there is no need for hardware or other software upgrades. Windows 8 is backwards compatible. This means when you launch an application or program not developed for Windows 8, the interface reverts back to the Windows 7 interface users have grown accustomed to.

Microsoft hopes the new OS will encourage developers to create mobile style programs which use JavaScript and HTML5. Since Windows 8 plays so well with other apps, it lets Windows be ran on any form factor.

Instead of taking the route of Apple and developing their OS for specific devices, Microsoft has decided to develop one major OS which can be used on home computers and mobile devices. This innovative step may very well help Microsoft gain even more ground in the desktop department and become a larger competitor in the mobile arena.

According TechSpot, no release date has been set yet. No name, other than Windows 8, has been decided either. The tentative release goal is sometime in 2012. More details will be released as Microsoft gets closer to setting a release date.