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Microsoft unveils Windows 8 (video)

6/1/2011

We're live from Microsoft Windows board Steven Sinofsky's keynote at D9, and there's object rather exciting on stage -- a pair of exploratory Windows 8 dev boards running an OS that looks very much like Windows Phone 7's Metro UI. All Things D actually sat down with the man earlier today and got a sneak peek at what to expect open gate with the live tiled screen you see above -- and yes, like Windows Phone 7, this OS is designed for touch.

There'll be two kinds of applications for Windows 8, one that runs in a old desktop, and the other pseudo-mobile apps based on HTML5 and , but both environments -- rather, the entire OS -- have been designed from the ground up for touchscreen use. Keyboard and mouse will still be options for both sets of programs, but there are several virtual sets of keys for variant form factors, including a split keyboard for vertical slate use. Multitasking is simply a matter of swiping running apps into the center of the screen, and you can pull windows partway to "snap" them in place equal with other windows -- even mixing and matching old desktop programs with web apps simultaneously (like Twitter equal with your spreadsheet). There's a new version of world wide web Explorer 10 (which runs Silverlight) and an app store built into the touchscreen interface, along with circuitry good works like Office 365. Microsoft says the new OS will run on laptops, tablets and desktops when it appears -- ever that might be.

All Things D didn't have any details on when we'll get pricing or availability, but we're looking at some Intel Atom-based demo units on stage right now, and Microsoft says it will have ARM designs (the OS will support NVIDIA, TI and Qualcomm) viewable on the Computex show floor, and more will be revealed at the Build Windows donator chalk talk in September. We should note that "Windows 8" is just a codename for what we're seeing here -- "we'll figure out the real name in due time," Sinofsky told the crowd -- but we don't see much harm in calling it Windows 8 for now.

Update: Video after the break!