Previewing ‘Windows 8’

REDMOND, Wash. – June 1, 2011 – Today, at the D9 Conference, we demonstrated the next generation of Windows, internally code-named “Windows 8,” for the first time. Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, from the chip to the interface. A Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse.

The demo showed some of the ways we’ve reimagined the interface for a new generation of touch-centric hardware. Fast, fluid and dynamic, the experience has been transformed while keeping the power, flexibility and connectivity of Windows intact.

Here are a few aspects of the new interface we showed today:

•Fast launching of apps from a tile-based Start screen, which replaces the Windows Start menu with a customizable, scalable full-screen view of apps.
•Live tiles with notifications, showing always up-to-date information from your apps.
•Fluid, natural switching between running apps.
•Convenient ability to snap and resize an app to the side of the screen, so you can really multitask using the capabilities of Windows.
•Web-connected and Web-powered apps built using HTML5 and JavaScript that have access to the full power of the PC.
•Fully touch-optimized browsing, with all the power of hardware-accelerated Internet Explorer 10.

We also showed effortless movement between existing Windows programs and new Windows 8 apps. The full capabilities of Windows continue to be available to you, including the Windows Explorer and Desktop, as does compatibility with all Windows 7 logo PCs, software and peripherals.
more at: Microsoft News Center
 
I sure hope that every Windows 8 application will be able to run in the Windows 7-style UI. If not, I envision a lot of power users being drawn to Linux. What does everyone else think?
 

My Computer

I sure hope that every Windows 8 application will be able to run in the Windows 7-style UI. If not, I envision a lot of power users being drawn to Linux. What does everyone else think?

Err, I just think people will just stay on Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 965
    Motherboard
    ASUS Sabertooth x58
    Memory
    12GB Corsair Dominator 1600MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX770
    Sound Card
    ASUS Xonar DX 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell S2409W + Dell E207WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 + 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    OCZ Vertex 2E 120GB, Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB, Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB
    PSU
    Corsair TX850 Modular 850w
    Case
    Coolermaster CM690 II Advanced Nvidia Edition
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9700 Nvidia Edition
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510s
    Mouse
    Logitech G500s
    Internet Speed
    40Mbps
    Other Info
    Logitech X-530
Err, I just think people will just stay on Windows 7.
You're probably right. I have a feeling that I will always dual-boot Windows 7 and 8. I just wonder what will happen if programs start to be written to require certain Windows 8 features.
 

My Computer

You're probably right. I have a feeling that I will always dual-boot Windows 7 and 8. I just wonder what will happen if programs start to be written to require certain Windows 8 features.

I wonder what features windows 7 will have that windows 8 won't. Otherwise I don't see a need to dual-boot...:smug:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 15 L501X
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 460M
    Memory
    4 GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 420M with Optimus (Intel HD Graphics)
    Keyboard
    Backlit Keyboard
If history is any teacher, I install Win 8 and not look back. Bring on the beta.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    24c Built
    CPU
    i7-2700k
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z68 EXTREME4 GEN3
    Memory
    CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ENGTX560 TI
    Sound Card
    n/a
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 Samsung 2343BWX
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-OS
    2-Vertex4x128-RAID0-DATA
    2-Vertex4x256-RAID1-BACKUPS
    PSU
    CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750
    Case
    ANTEC 900
    Cooling
    stock case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 solar
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 wireless
    Internet Speed
    pretty quick
I'm not buying the tile thingy...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium FR x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 950 3.06 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X35A-UD3R
    Memory
    Corsair XMS3 DDR3 3x2GB 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus nVidia GeForce GTX460 1GB Factory Overclocked
    Sound Card
    HT Omega Claro
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus VW246H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1x OCZ Vertex 2 90GB SSD, 1x Hitachi 7200RPM 500GB, 1x 1TB WD Green
    PSU
    Silverstone DA700 700W
    Case
    Lian-Li Lancool PC-K62
    Cooling
    Case : Stock, CPU : Cooler Master Hyper N520
    Keyboard
    Logitech Media Elite Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    30MBits down, 1Mbits up
    Other Info
    Scanner : Canon LiDE 200
    Printer : Samsung ML-2010
Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows

*shudder*

The word reimagining scares me. Not a lot of good has come from this word...

I'm not buying the tile thingy...

After trying out Unity and Gnome 3, I'm a little wary myself.

This big push for touch orientated GUIs is fine if you are using a touch capable device, but so far it's not so great for desktops.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vanilla 8 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    SmartEyeball Custom Systems
    CPU
    Intel 3770K @4.8ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 WS
    Memory
    16GB G.Skill Trident 2666mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    3x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB + ATH-AD900 Headphones
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
    Screen Resolution
    5760*1200/1920*1200 / 1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
    PSU
    Corsair AX1200
    Case
    Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
    Mouse
    Razer Imperator + Thermaltake Theron
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs: Clevo Sager P170HM // 17.3 Matte 1920x1200 // i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz // Dedicated GTX 485M // 240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray // Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0 // NexStar USB 3.0 enclosure 500GB
I agree and also think that the smug marginalizing of Microsoft as an "enterprise company" by Google's Eric Schmidt ignores the fact that Windows is the dominant interface to computer technology on the planet by a wide margin. I, personally, am more productive in Windows as opposed to the glam of MacOS or the geek of Gnome. I do have a soft spot for K for the ambitious ideas and many of the ridiculously talented developers but it's only a second choice. If this were Nirvana we'd have the Amiga developers back from the dead for another round.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8CP
And for those of us who tried using a Windows phone, and gave it up because touch-screen is no fun if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy in your fingers, Windows 8 tiles don't sound at all appealing...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Professional
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 103C_53316J FQ564AA-ABA a6720f
    CPU
    AMD Phenom X4 9550
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Corporation Violet 3.02
    Memory
    8 gigs DDR2 (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9100 256mb Video memory
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Defintion Audio (onboard sound on motherboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm-7
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 @ 60Hz - Aspect Ratio 16:10
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WDC WD6400AAKS-65A7B2 640.1 GB
    PSU
    came with computer 350 watt
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Air-fans only; need to add, video running hot
    Keyboard
    HP
    Mouse
    HP
    Other Info
    First time since 1993 that I've had a company-built computer. Peripheral neuropathy in my hands (and feet), and wearing trifocals has made assembling a computer impossible.
I sure hope that every Windows 8 application will be able to run in the Windows 7-style UI. If not, I envision a lot of power users being drawn to Linux. What does everyone else think?


[video=youtube;FY_vV8SoYgU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY_vV8SoYgU[/video]

Fast-forward to 3:00

There is a mention that it is a possibility to switch to "desktop mode?"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Tetris
The new desktop GUI will surface soon.

That looks good for a tablet, might get use to it, will have to try it out.
At least we have an option to use the desktop, if not that would likely be a deal breaker for many.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
We actually still have normal start menu, taskbar, desktop...

Untitled.png


EDIT: From all things Digital blog:
Exclusive: Making Sense of Our First Look at Windows 8 – AllThingsD

Windows 8 essentially supports two kinds of applications. One is the classic Windows application, which runs in a desktop very similar to the Windows 7 desktop.

The other type of application, which has to be written in HTML5 and Javascript, looks more like a mobile application, filling the full screen. Internet Explorer 10, which is part of Windows 8, has already been configured to run in this mode, as have several widget-like apps for checking stock prices and weather.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Tetris
Thanks for the encouraging word! I missed that part, somehow!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Professional
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 103C_53316J FQ564AA-ABA a6720f
    CPU
    AMD Phenom X4 9550
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Corporation Violet 3.02
    Memory
    8 gigs DDR2 (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9100 256mb Video memory
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Defintion Audio (onboard sound on motherboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm-7
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 @ 60Hz - Aspect Ratio 16:10
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WDC WD6400AAKS-65A7B2 640.1 GB
    PSU
    came with computer 350 watt
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Air-fans only; need to add, video running hot
    Keyboard
    HP
    Mouse
    HP
    Other Info
    First time since 1993 that I've had a company-built computer. Peripheral neuropathy in my hands (and feet), and wearing trifocals has made assembling a computer impossible.
This big push for touch orientated GUIs is fine if you are using a touch capable device, but so far it's not so great for desktops.

That is what worries me. They seem to be pushing the whole ARM/Touch/Tablet thing, I just hope that they don't "forget" us Desktop users.

Also do not like the "classic Windows 7" Desktop UI. Full transparency is not good.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-built
    CPU
    2nd Gen Intel Core i5 2500k
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z86a-d3-b3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333Mhz Crucial DIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 460 (Gygabite OC)
    Sound Card
    Realtek On board sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer Al1980 + Generic non brand Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1280*1024 + 1366*768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Sata III Cavier Green
    500GB SATA II WD Caviar Blue
    160GB SATA II Hitachi
    PSU
    Corsair Extreme
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF-X
    Cooling
    HAF-X cooling (1 exhaust, 1 front, 1 side, 1 top fan)
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    12.5 Mb/s down 1.2 (ish) M/b up (ADSL2+)
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I kind of like the Start Menu because even with a lot of Windows open, I can still look for something else I need. The "tiles" on the phones always struck me as being a throwback to Windows 3.1...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Professional
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 103C_53316J FQ564AA-ABA a6720f
    CPU
    AMD Phenom X4 9550
    Motherboard
    Pegatron Corporation Violet 3.02
    Memory
    8 gigs DDR2 (PC2-6400)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9100 256mb Video memory
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Defintion Audio (onboard sound on motherboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm-7
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 @ 60Hz - Aspect Ratio 16:10
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WDC WD6400AAKS-65A7B2 640.1 GB
    PSU
    came with computer 350 watt
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Air-fans only; need to add, video running hot
    Keyboard
    HP
    Mouse
    HP
    Other Info
    First time since 1993 that I've had a company-built computer. Peripheral neuropathy in my hands (and feet), and wearing trifocals has made assembling a computer impossible.
I take it everyone has seen this:

YouTube - ‪Building "Windows 8" - Video #1‬‏

There seems a definite emphasis on the touch ui and the whole thing looks to be aimed at mobile devices. At one point there is a familiar looking gui and his fingers look a bit clumsy using it.
At this point I'm distinctly unimpressed with the tile launch page. I like a nice wallpaper and then on to speed dial on my browser of choice (currently Nightly and Chrome). I imagine I will be happy with it eventually though:D

---------- Post added at 09:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 PM ----------

*shudder*

The word reimagining scares me. Not a lot of good has come from this word...



After trying out Unity and Gnome 3, I'm a little wary myself.

This big push for touch orientated GUIs is fine if you are using a touch capable device, but so far it's not so great for desktops.

Agreed. I found Unity unusable as yet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium/Linux Mint 10
    System Manufacturer/Model
    own build
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 920
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte (EX58-UD5)
    Memory
    Corsair 6141mb
    Graphics Card(s)
    XFX 260 GTX Black Edition
    Sound Card
    none
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 2408 WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x Samsung 1TB (F2&F3) + 1 x Samsung 500Mb
    PSU
    Corsair AX850 Pro
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840
    Cooling
    Noctua HSF +2 x Noctua 120mm fans, 1 x 200mm front intake, 2 x 200mm top exhausts, 4 x Akasa Apache
    Keyboard
    Enermax Aurora/ Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    Roccat Kone/ Logitech Trackman Ball
    Internet Speed
    supposed to be 8Mbps, usually 4 0r 5Mbps
    Other Info
    can't think of anything else right now.
A touch GUI is fine, if not necessary, for mobile devices, etc.

But I am a bit leery that 3rd party apps developer emphasis will be on the flash of the touch GUI to the deteriment of the "traditional" mouse/keyboard GUI. Ever try to do photo touchup with a touchscreen? Hmmm.....

Also for desktop ergonomics, try a little exercise...... reach up and touch the screen once every 3 seconds for a few minutes. Users may switch from being concerned about carpal tunnel to suffering from monitor elbow...... :shock:
 

My Computer

If anyone has been able to find footage of Windows 8 running on a laptop or desktop (any machine that uses a mouse instead of touch input), could you please post it here?
 

My Computer

If you are doing a touch UI for mobil device such as smart phones, tablets, etc... I'm OK with it. But for a desktop, beside those all-in-one PCs, I haven't seen any retail monitors being touch screens. The only touch screens I've seen are on newegg and those are 15" CRT more oriented to business. Really, touch IS NOT for desktop. If Microsoft makes that move, I'm sorry to say but, it'll be a failure and people will actually stay on Windows 7.

I can't say it enough : keyboard+mouse >>>> touch
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium FR x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 950 3.06 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X35A-UD3R
    Memory
    Corsair XMS3 DDR3 3x2GB 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus nVidia GeForce GTX460 1GB Factory Overclocked
    Sound Card
    HT Omega Claro
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus VW246H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1x OCZ Vertex 2 90GB SSD, 1x Hitachi 7200RPM 500GB, 1x 1TB WD Green
    PSU
    Silverstone DA700 700W
    Case
    Lian-Li Lancool PC-K62
    Cooling
    Case : Stock, CPU : Cooler Master Hyper N520
    Keyboard
    Logitech Media Elite Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    30MBits down, 1Mbits up
    Other Info
    Scanner : Canon LiDE 200
    Printer : Samsung ML-2010
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