Windows 8 bridges PC-tablet divide
If the promise holds up when a final version ships, it could give Microsoft an advantage over competing platforms that force users to choose between devices that can run zippy tablet apps or PCs capable of hosting full business productivity programs like Word or PowerPoint.
Windows 8-based systems will run “the same app, completely cross-platform, based on the Windows 8 development platform,” says Michael Angiulo, a VP in Microsoft's Windows group.
According to eWeek, Windows 8 version has a completely different look and feel than previous editions of Microsoft's long-running operating system franchise.
In place of a desktop loaded with folders and icons, married to a bottom file bar for displaying open applications, Windows 8 centres on large, colourful tiles displaying active information.
If anything, Windows 8 resembles Windows Phone which also features a tile-centric user interface. Microsoft intends the operating system for play on everything from tablets to full-sized desktops, with the accompanying raft of features: support for legacy applications such as Office, multitasking, access to a “traditional” Windows file system, and an all-new Internet Explorer 10.
Users will be able to “snap” applications to one side of the screen, an evolution of the “Aero Snap” feature already present in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. For those on a laptop or desktop, a mouse and keyboard substitute for touch controls.
“We believe that Microsoft is still a viable market-maker, and that reports of its imminent demise are somewhat over exaggerated. However, the world's most powerful IT company must bring its innovations to market in a more complete and marketable manner than has been the case to date,” Richard Edwards, principal analyst at Ovum, said in a comment, states Newsbytes Philippines.
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