Microsoft launches consumer preview of Windows 8

News IT Global 29 FEB 2012
Microsoft launches consumer preview of Windows 8
Microsoft has released the first consumer preview of Windows 8, the latest version of its computer operating system. Unveiled in Barcelona, Microsoft showcased Windows 8 running on a range of new x86- and ARM-based reference hardware. This is the first release of Windows to support the ARM architecture, which is expected to encourage adoption of the software for new devices such as tablets. Also included in the release is a beta version of the Windows Store, with a range of third-party apps available to test free with the preview software, and a preview of Internet Explorer 10, the latest version of Microsoft's web browser. An optional sign-in on Windows 8 also gives access to a range of cloud services, such as e-mail, calendar and storage, synced across Microsoft computers and phones. Microsoft already released a developer preview of Windows 8 last year, which received more than 3 million downloads. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview will be available worldwide for download in English, French, German, Japanese and simplified Chinese. Nvidia and Qualcomm both said they will participate in a developer 'seeding' programme, where Microsoft will offer PCs running their ARM-based products to developers for testing with Windows 8 and new apps.

Categories:

IT,  Mobile

Companies:

Microsoft,  Qualcomm,  ARM,  Nvidia

Regions:

Global

Tags:

Devices, Launch, IT - applications

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