Although Microsoft may produce the most widely used OS for home computers, in terms of operating systems for mobile devices on the latest contract phones, they are firmly in the runner up position. In an effort to boost their reputation in the mobile world, Windows are developing Windows 8; their latest attempt to steal iOS and Android’s mobile operating system crown.
Windows 8 is unlike anything Microsoft has ever done before. They intend the new OS to be a unified platform that their PCs, tablets and mobile phones can run on. With Windows 8, users will be able to do everything they’re used to doing with their computer with ease.
However, the biggest change in the OS from Windows 7 is its appearance. Gone is the ubiquitous Windows desktop, taskbar and start menu; Windows 8 bares more than a passing resemblance to their Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system.
Windows 8 will use Microsoft’s Metro UI, designed for Windows Phone 7. This means that a devices desktop (or home screen) will consist of Live Tiles, making for a much more visual experience than with previous Windows operating systems, bringing a stream of information together into one place. It’s also a style that lends itself to the touchscreen experience. This move has come in the wake of Microsoft attempting to port Windows 7 onto tablets. After several unsuccessful attempts, the company have moved to create a much more tablet-friendly OS.
With Windows 8, it’s likely that Microsoft will take a leaf out of Apple’s book and make their OS more apps based. Early previews of the OS have shown users running traditional desktop programs and downloadable apps simultaneously. It’s clear that Microsoft is keen for developers to adopt Windows 8, possibly to do for the brand what the App Store has done for Apple.
