Microsoft shows off the first Windows 8 beta--dubbed the "Consumer Preview"--at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Execs repeatedly touted the next operating system as "fast and fluid."
Aloysius Low
Aloysius Low is a Senior Editor at CNET covering mobile and Asia. Based in Singapore, he loves playing Dota 2 when he can spare the time and is also the owner-minion of two adorable cats.
Microsoft shows off the first Windows 8 beta--dubbed the "Consumer Preview"--at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Execs repeatedly touted the next operating system as "fast and fluid."
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Windows 8 features tiles
Windows 8 features tiles, like those found in Windows Phone.
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Windows 8 seeks consistency
Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows business, says the company sought to create a consistent experience across devices.
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Dramatic changes
According to Microsoft, the Consumer Preview is dramatically different than the Developer Preview, featuring more than 100,000 code changes.
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Multiple focus
Microsoft wants to offer consumers a "consistent" experience, regardless of what type of device they are using. The company is doing so by focusing simultaneously on the operating system, apps, and hardware, Sinofsky said.
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'Generational change'
Sinofsky called Windows 8 a "generational change" in its design, function, and implementation.
"The last time we made a generational change was Windows 95," Sinofsky said.
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Start screen
A Start screen replaces the Start menu.
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Pinning people
The OS will allow users to "pin" people to the start screen for a constant flow of updates on the individuals they care about.
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App shopping
Microsoft's app store highlights features a spotlight section that includes top apps, new releases, and recommendations.
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Side by side
The Metro user interface and the desktop are designed to work side by side in Windows 8.
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App contest winners
Microsoft announced the eight winners of its first app contest. The winning apps will be shipped with Windows 8. They are Air Soccer, CookBook, Elements Weather, FlipSaw, Pew Pew, Physamajig, PuzzleTouch, and SigFig Portfolio.
