Windows 8: What to expect?

Just when people were getting used to Windows 7, Microsoft's latest offering Windows 8 came knocking on door. Seen as a desperate move to infuse pace in slowing PC growth due to the emergence of tablets (especially Apple iPad), Microsoft practically stayed unrivaled for years before the next generation computing/communication devices caught the fancy of buyers.

Expectedly, Microsoft has dared to take challenge head-on and come up with concept namely Windows 8. Lookwise, Windows version is a complete revamp of the interface we saw earlier. Designed around a tile system like that of Windows Phone 7, the OS will be easily accessible through touchscreen interface, mouse or even keyboard. In words of Windows President Steven Sinofsky, the new interface is pleasingly fresh, quick and accessible as it continues to support all the prominent applications and enterprise features.

Zune and Metro feature clearly. Live Web Interfaces and Media Center too have found space. Icons for Internet Explorer and file browsers have undergone complete change. As far as applications are concerned, traditional Windows apps have been built using existing APIs and new apps on Javascript and HTML5. Special attention is given to the fact that both categories of apps function smoothly to touch and mouse/keyboard. In addition, faster boot times and Hyper-V virtualization tool in the OS have also garnered attention.

Most importantly Windows 8 touts itself as a one-stop solution for smartphones, personal computers and tablets, something that rival Android Ice Cream Sandwich can't raise a claim too.

All said and done, Windows 8 is looking to be a welcome change in the direction of eroding personal computing space. And if Microsoft does get successful in providing a common OS for smartphones, tablets and PCs, it surely would earn few more years of life in rapidly changing tech-industry.