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Microsoft has taken the wraps off the next generation of its Windows operating system.Windows 8 is designed to run on tablet computers, as well as desktop and laptop PCs. Windows 8 has been designed to be used on touchscreen devicesThe software, which is due to be released in 2012 will work on the popular ARM-designed low power processors for the first time.Microsoft has been under pressure to come up with an answer to Apple's iOS and Google's Android platforms.Unveiling Windows 8 at the Build developers' conference in California, Windows division president Steven Sinofsky declared: "We re-imagined Windows. From the chipset to the user experience."The system will function through one of two interfaces; a traditional desktop, similar to that seen in previous editions of Windows, and a tablet version, known as Metro.Metro features larger, chunky controls of the sort that best suit touchscreen use. The current lack of such an input method is widely seen as the reason why few Windows 7 tablets exist.Microsoft said that it would also be launching its own online marketplace - the Windows Store - to sell downloadable applications. Microsoft plans to offer Windows 8 Apps through its Windows StoreChip changes One of the biggest innovations for Windows 8 will be its compatibility with processors designed by ARM holdings. Windows 8 has been designed to be used on touchscreen devices Chips based around the ARM architecture typically use very little power, and as a result are found in the vast majority of smartphones and tablets currently available.To date, Windows devices have required Intel or Intel-compatible processors, with the exception of Microsoft's Windows Phone range.ARM chips are likely to be predominantly used on Windows 8 Metro devices, and will require ARM-specific versions of applications.The company has not given details on the chips that will be integrated into desktop and laptop machines.Tapping into any section of the Windows market will be seen as a huge boost for Cambridge-based ARM Holdings.The company faces growing competition in the mobile device sector since Intel launched its tablet and smartphone-focused Oak Trail chipset in April 2011.Tapping into that particular market is seen as vital for hardware manufacturers, and software-makers, such as Microsoft, as the market for traditional computers continues to be eroded.Industry analysts Gartner predicted in April that the global market for tablets would reach 70 million this year, and grow to 300 million in 2015.Sales of desktops and laptops are expected to continue growing, but at a much slower rate than in the past.
A free, open-source Windows "clone" - ReactOS - that has been in development for over a decade has caught the eye of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.A student at a Russian high school the president visited recently gave Mr Medvedev a brief overview of the project - and asked him for 1m euros. The system's developers say it runs all Windows programs, but is much faster than its Microsoft equivalent.If it gets a financial boost, it could be usable in the near future, they add.Contrary to Linux and other non-Windows operating systems, ReactOS is a community-driven international initiative that is said to be fully compatible with all Windows-based applications, programs and services
Debian/Ubuntu. All the world needs. Wake up game companies!!!! Your keeping Bill making crap!! Does anyone like the look of 8. I know its early days but it looks dreadful, and backwards comparability just to support a range of chips. As if 32bit and 64bit hasn't pissed us all of over the years now we have arm and Intel compatibility to think about....!
you complaining about the price of the AWE32 soundcard...bet ya didnt catch the first round prices fr SB Live! cards...It does make me wonder what support the XP-Mode toy in win7 has, compared to its host o/s
Quote from: Bluey_412 on September 15, 2011, 01:21:51 pmyou complaining about the price of the AWE32 soundcard...bet ya didnt catch the first round prices fr SB Live! cards...It does make me wonder what support the XP-Mode toy in win7 has, compared to its host o/sI still love my SB hardware! Audigy 2 ZS has as much as I will ever use in a lifetime.
To run Metro style Apps, you need a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 or greater
