Microsoft released the developer preview of their new operating system late on Tuesday, Windows 8, and Yesterday Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer announced that Windows 8 had already been downloaded over 500,000 times.
We have already seen a video of Windows 8 running on a netbook and have also had a look at Windows 8 running on a tablet, and Microsoft is looking to unify Windows 8 across a number of devices which includes notebooks, PCs, and tablets.
Windows 8: A Unified Experience Across Devices
Microsoft’s vision for Windows 8 is to create a seamless and unified experience across various devices. This means that whether you are using a desktop PC, a laptop, or a tablet, the user interface and functionality will be consistent. This is a significant shift from previous versions of Windows, which were primarily designed for desktop and laptop use. The new Metro interface, which is touch-friendly, is a key feature of Windows 8, making it more suitable for tablets and other touch-enabled devices.
The company is also focusing on improving the performance and efficiency of the operating system. Windows 8 is designed to boot faster, use less memory, and provide a more responsive experience. This is particularly important for tablets and other mobile devices, where battery life and performance are critical.
Opportunities for Developers
Microsoft is expecting big things for Windows 8, and the company is looking to get developers to create applications for Windows 8, as the company tries to take on the likes of Apple and Google with their new tablet-friendly OS. The Windows Store, which is integrated into Windows 8, provides a platform for developers to distribute their applications to a wide audience. This is similar to the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android, and it represents a significant opportunity for developers.
“We’re retooling all of what we do,” Ballmer said. “To me, this all adds up to an unprecedented time of opportunity for developers.”
Microsoft also said that they are expecting to ship around 350 million copies of Windows this year, in a hope that these high numbers would entice developers to the platform. This is a bold prediction, but it highlights the company’s confidence in the new operating system.
“There is no phone, there is nothing on the tablet, there is no operating system on the planet that will ship 350 million units of anything other than Windows,” he said.
The success of Windows 8 will depend on the availability of high-quality applications, and Microsoft is doing everything it can to attract developers to the platform. This includes providing tools and resources to help developers create and optimize their applications for Windows 8.
The release of the Windows 8 developer preview has generated a lot of excitement, with over 500,000 downloads in just a short period. Microsoft’s vision for a unified operating system across multiple devices, combined with the opportunities for developers, makes Windows 8 a significant release. The company is betting big on Windows 8, and it will be interesting to see how it performs in the market.
Source All Things D
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