Microsoft has finally revealed Windows 8 to the public. The video displayed largely focuses on Windows 8′s touch interface features. You’ll notice right away that it is nothing we have seen before, although it is completely in line with past rumors claiming that a Metro-UI look will be sported.
The native applications designed are wonderful with sleek animations and beautiful backgrounds. It is extremely evident that Microsoft has really paid attention to the increasing use of the web, along with taking in consideration the flaws that exist on today’s tablet UIs.
In doing so, they introduce many unique features to the touch-UI of Windows 8. The major feature to be seen here is the “Start-Screen”, which features a personal mosaic of tiles, which are representative of their respective apps. The purpose of these apps is that data and feedback (such as weather data) can be seen immediately on the Start-screen without having to open the app itself.
Also worth mentioning is that the RSS app displays feeds in a magazine-like format, with pictures being the focus instead of the headlines.
Another cool feature is the ability to bring a second app into the window and have it snap to the side. The RSS app was used as an example while a video was being played. You could also stretch the RSS app, so it becomes the main app instead of the video. This adds a lot more multi-tasking possibility than we’ve seen before. Imagine having weather or stock information on the side while browsing the net.
One thing that really stands out is the smoothness of the overall touch experience. There was actually no lag or jitterness. The UI reacted perfectly to touch and even during multi-tasking were there no signs of lag.
This is excellent news from Microsoft, especially with the lack of leaks we’ve been seeing around here. Below is the official list of features from Microsoft from the preview:
• 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
