Microsoft Struts Out Windows 8, Developer Story at BUILD
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title=Windows 8 Across a Spectrum of Devices}
Larson-Green
said planning for Windows 8 began in June of 2009, even before Microsoft was
done with Windows 7. She said Microsoft was not reacting to anything in the
market at the time--such as tablets--because nothing like that existed at the
time.
Larson-Green
also said Windows 8 is application-centric, in that it focuses on how apps are
shown and what apps can do. Windows 8 is powered by apps, enables apps to work
together and allows users to sync content across their devices.
Jensen
Harris, partner director of program management for Windows Experience, gave
several demonstrations of Windows 8 in use, including the use of the five
Windows 8 "Charms": Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings. Harris also
discussed the concept of Contracts in Windows 8. The notion of Contracts is a
part of the Windows 8 developer platform and Contracts let apps share Charms
and bring up options for how applications can interoperate or share data.
Harris said the closest metaphor to a Contract is the Clipboard.
Also,
with a preview version Internet Explorer 10 included, Windows 8 provides
touch-first browsing, not just browsing on a touch device. Internet Explorer 10
puts sites at the center on new Windows 8 devices, Microsoft said.
Meanwhile,
discussing Windows for business, Iain MacDonald, partner director of program
management for Windows, said Microsoft will deliver Windows To Go. With Windows
To Go, enterprise IT pros can provide users with bootable USB
storage devices containing a copy of Windows 8, along with their business apps,
data, and settings. When users are finished and log off, they simply remove the
USB device, leaving no data or information
behind, MacDonald said.
Moreover,
with support for ARM-based chipsets, x86
devices, touch and sensors, Windows 8 works across a spectrum of devices --
from 10-inch tablets and laptops to all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition
screens, Microsoft said. Also, with Windows 8, new ultrathin PCs and tablets
turn on instantly, run all day on a single charge and stay connected to the
Internet even in standby mode. And Windows 8 runs on PCs and is compatible with
the devices and programs users use today on Windows 7 to deliver the
performance users expect of a PC, Microsoft said.
Developers
will be able to download the Windows Developer Preview via the new Windows Dev Center later this week,
Microsoft officials said.
