Leadows Software

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Demo



Windows 8 Beta (Consumer Preview) is available for free download from Microsoft's Site. Windows 8 will be available for Desktops/Laptops, Business Servers and Tablets.

Here are some points that developers should know about Windows 8:
  • Windows 8 comes with 2 APIs (abstraction between Kernel and our Apps). They are Win32 and WinRT (Windows Runtime).
  • The WinRT API is designed to be power-efficient for tablets with ARM-based processors.
  • The new Metro style UI is also designed for better touch experience and is supported only by WinRT API.
  • Hence Windows 8 on tablets will use the WinRT API with its Metro-style UI. The application built for Windows 8 running on tablets will also have to be built using the WinRT API and its Metro UI only.
  • The existing Windows XP and 7 applications will not run on Windows 8 ARM-based Tablets that supports only WinRT API.
  • Windows 8 for Desktops/Laptops/Servers will support all the existing Apps because it will support both Win32 and WinRT APIs.
  • The Apps built using WinRT and its Metro UI for Windows 8 tablets will also run on Windows 8 Desktops/Laptops/Servers.
  • WinRT and its Metro-Style UI apps have to be submitted by the developers to Microsoft for certification and only then they can be downloaded from Windows Store by the consumers.
  • Tablets will come with Windows 8 pre-installed.
Will Windows 8 be a success only time would tell. To be a big success, it has to be accepted on tablets as will as PCs. I personally feel Microsoft should have first launched Windows 8 only for tablets with WinRT and its Metro-style UI. No going back now. Their will be lot of parameters that will play the role in its success.
  • Quality of OS itself.
  • Quality of WinRT and its Metro-style apps on Windows Store and their pricing.
  • Quality of tablets and their pricing as compared to Apple iPad and Android-based Tablets.
  • New machines (ultrabook with flip/sliding keyboards) really and easy to use and carry.
Microsoft has and edge over its competitors at one place for sure - Application Development.
  1. Number of developers working on Windows OS development as compared to MAC.
  2. The infrastructure to develop Apps (exisiting Windows, Visual Studio,etc.) a compared to MAC.
I am hoping for Windows 8 success or otherwise start iOS application development for iPad and iPhone.