Windows 8: What is in store for next generation Windows

Windows 8 is the code name for the next version of Windows that Microsoft is planning to launch later this year.  The internal beta program is currently running and public beta will be in a few months. Unlike the previous two versions (Vista and Windows 7) this version is rumored to be more revolutionary as Microsoft plans to give Android and Apple’s iOS a chase with new forays into mobile computing with its super-cool Metro device. In this post we will cover what is new and hot about the next Windows.

Windows 8 top features

1. The hottest and most expected feature in the new windows will be its new User Interface (UI) named Metro that you see in the image above. This will be a substantial jump from what users are used to for the past 20 years of Windows Operating Systems. The main design unit will be the tiles that update themselves, rather than icons, windows, etc. It will support multi-touch and will be consistent across PC, tablets and mobile phones.
2. While the previous Windows have supported only Intel and AMd’s x86 and architecture, this OS will support ARM processors that are used in mobile devices. Thus, this will pave way for integration of PC operating system and those of mobile devices.
3. Windows Explorer will take in the ribbon style toolbar that Microsoft Office has. Combined with more features to give file statistics, this will make file & folder management easy.
4. Windows 2 Go: This will be a new feature that lets users to boot up from a USB flash device that will particularly appeal corporate users who want to replicate their enterprise desktop experience wherever they go.
5. Windows Store: This is modeled after the Apple iStore and will let you buy Metro apps including productivity tools, games and entertainment apps written by third party developers.
6. Integration with Microsoft’s SkyDrive – online storage device that lets your save your files in the cloud – with free storage upto 25 GB.
7. Picture Password: Instead of password based authentication the new UI will support authentication through sketching on different places in the screen.
8. Hybrid Boot: This will be combination of hibernation and shutdown to make startup really fast. Booting time has been one of the sticking points for Windows devices, while Apple’s devices have extremely good startup times. My iPad switches on from sleep in 2 seconds .
9. A new lock screen UI that will let you see the notifications while you have locked the device for playing music or on the go.
10. It will sport the new Internet Explorer 10 that is optimized for mobile browsing and a stripped down version of the IE 9.
11. Firmware level secure booth feature that will minimize boot loader level attacks and help keep your OS more secure.
12. New Sharing (Share Charm) feature that lets your share content (files, images, documents) with your network in a zip.
13. Native USB 3.0 support that supports USB devices with faster communication speeds and lower power consumption.

In conclusion, Windows 8 will have much to cheer about and if Microsoft can get it bug free, it can revolutionize the PC and mobile devices market. The new Windows 8 will also go further in blurring lines between PCs and mobile devices.