Tour the first Windows 8 beta (screenshots)
Windows 8 takes another step closer toward public availability with the wide release of its first beta. If you're not able to install it yourself, check out these slides from Microsoft's next-generation, dual-interface operating system.
This may be the Windows 8 beta, but it's far more stable than the name suggests. Much of its key architecture is in place, and we found it to be extremely usable.
The lock screen has been enabled to surface content from your apps, including unread e-mails and calendar appointments.
Essential apps
Once you've logged in, Windows 8 beta takes you to the Start screen. Essential apps like Mail, Calendar, Messaging, and Weather are front and center.
The People app is for organizing your contacts across multiple services.
The People app tile will surface recent updates, too.
Pinch-to-zoom out gives you a global view of your app groups, making it shockingly fast to switch between them.
Microsoft SkyDrive will allow you to sync files. Microsoft hasn't revealed yet what the memory limit of the SkyDrive is.
The Windows Store is where you'll get all your Windows apps. Apps bought through the store will sync across multiple Windows 8 devices, too.
Internet Explorer 10 in Metro runs on a minimized interface that hides completely when you're not using it.
Swipe up from the bottom edge of an app and you'll get app-specific controls. In the case of IE 10, this means your URL bar on the bottom and tabs thumbnails on top.
You can search your apps in Windows 8 by clicking the right-edge Search icon, or just begin typing on a keyboard from the Start screen.
Windows 8 is optimized for both tablets and PCs. It comes with several soft keyboards, and the main one is impressively responsive.
This quirky split keyboard works best with thumbs. Think: tablet, held vertically with two hands.
The desktop tile will take you to the desktop view of Windows 8. It's like Windows 7, but with a cooler secret identity.
Windows 8 offers some interesting dual monitor support. You can go for a traditional extension, shown here, or display the Metro Start screen on one and the desktop view on another.
It's not all flash and bang in Windows 8. The decidedly unsexy Task Manager has been given a new coat of paint, and is easier to use, too.
Task Manager processes are much easier to navigate, too.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?