Microsoft has launched a public trial of its upcoming Windows 8 operating system, which will run on tablets as well as PCs.
Windows 8 features blocks or ’tiles’ that can be moved around the screen or tapped to go straight into an application, mirroring the design of its recent Windows Phone operating system.
The tiles update in real time, so the user can see if they have emails, voice messages or Facebook notifications at a glance.
Microsoft Office, including the newest versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, will come installed on tablets running the ARM version of Windows.
That would give Windows tablets a unique selling point over iPads and Android tablets.
Key features include:
Touchscreen compatible – the new OS will work with tablets and portable devices. There will also be a version for PCs.
Fewer windows – instead of ‘stacks’ of windows, as in previous versions, the OS is built around clean ’tiles’ that deliver information to the home screen.
Free versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint – Windows 8 will offer Office free to tablet users.
Business-friendly tablets – Windows 8 will work smoothly with Microsoft Exchange email systems, so could be highly popular with business.
Apps shared with phones – apps in Windows 8 will be built to work smoothly with phones (such as Nokia’s) running Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS.
Easier passwords – users will be able to unlock PCs with a PIN, or by circling details in a picture.
No Start button – instead, users will access a menu from a ‘hot corner’ in the bottom left of the screen.
Windows 8 will come in two variations – one that works on desktops and laptops, and a new version for the ARM microprocessors in tablets, smartphones and other portable devices.
There is no set release date, but it’s widely expected to be available in autumn. In both versions, Windows 8 features a completely new interface, borrowed from what Microsoft calls the ‘Metro’ style of the current Windows Phone software.
It features blocks or ’tiles’ that can be moved around the screen or tapped to go straight into an application.
The tiles update in real time, so you can see if you have emails, voice messages or Facebook notifications at a glance.
If PC and laptop users do not like the new format, they can revert to the old style with a click of the mouse.
Microsoft has not put a timetable on the final release, but Windows unit head Steven Sinofsky has said new versions of Windows should be no more than three years apart, which would put a Windows 8 debut around October 2012.
