Millions of Windows fans around the globe have been anxiously anticipating the release of the ‘beta’ version of Windows 8. While a Developer Preview was already released by the company, it was definitely not an alternative to the beta version. And now, in a jam-packed event at MWC 2012, Windows chose to unveil the beta version of Windows 8, being touted as ‘Customer Preview.’
Throughout the event, Microsoft personnel specifically focused on the term ‘fast and fluid.’ It was used primarily to point to the ease, convenience and seamless experience of using Windows 8. According to Microsoft’s President of Windows Division, Windows 8 is a ‘generational change’ and that the last time such a huge paradigm shift occurred at Microsoft was with Windows 95.
According to Microsoft, ever since it launched the Developer Preview last year, it has made some 100,000 changes to the code. So the users can expect a whole lot of new features in the Customer Preview. The company highlighted the following during the event:
Seamless Functionality on touchscreen and keyboard-and-mouse:
What really piqued the interests of those present at the event was that Microsoft personnel demonstrated how using Windows 8 on a touchscreen tablet and a laptop with keyboard/mouse can be a similar experience. It showed how Microsoft has ably replicated the touchscreen workflow with they keyboard-and-mouse devices.
Free Apps For Customer Preview:
All the apps for Windows 8 are available for free! You ought to rush and lay your hands on them as soon as possible. This is because this offer lasts only as long as Customer Preview lasts.
System-on-a-chip Support:
Windows 8 comes with the capability of running on Qualcomm Snapdragon, Nvidia Tegra 3, Intel Cloverfield and Texas Instruments OMAP. The same code of the OS can be used for both ARM-based and X86 devices.
Windows 8 shown off on multiple devices:
During the event, Microsoft showed off a number of devices tooling Windows 8. For instance, it showed Acer Aspire A5 running the OS. What attracted the most appreciation and awe of those present was when Windows 8 was shown on a 82-inch display, which was capable of handling the touchscreen input from up to 10 people at a time.
You can download the beta version of Windows 8 right here.
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