>Windows 8 User Interface Previewed
>Microsoft offers a first look at Windows 8.
Designed for touch, it’s very clear that a tremendous amount of the elements have been borrowed from Windows Phone 7’s tile-based Metro UI, and runs on top of the underpinnings of Windows 7 (seen at the 3 minute mark) for all current functionality. The platform has been built on HTML 5 and Javascript, allowing developers to create web apps easily and make them available on the already leaked App Store.
It’s a welcome change for Windows tablets, but it will be very interesting to see how natural it is to use on a desktop with a keyboard and mouse. I’m not sure you’ll realize the full potential without either a touchscreen or a multi-touch trackpad.
To be frank, this looks to me to be more of a UI skin over top of Windows 7, and reminds me of Windows Media Center. I’m not sure how Microsoft can possibly sell this product but where there’s a will, there’s a way. This is something that should be a free upgrade (or at least nominal fee like Snow Leopard for Mac OSX at $29) for anyone who already shelled out the cash for Windows 7.
It smacks of desperation at the overall failure of Windows Phone 7. As reported by Boy Genius Report, Microsoft is actually making more money in the mobile platform on Android than it does from their in house OS.
What does this mean for gamers? Probably nothing of note. I expect HTML 5 and Javascript games and game ports from previously mobile exclusive titles to make their way to the PC.
I for one can’t wait for my Call of Duty Elite Windows 8 widget. /sarcasm
Your thoughts?
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