Proudly nerdy , at DStv Online we get more worked up about the imminent release of a new major operating system than is strictly healthy. Microsoft is looking to launch their latest version of Windows, Windows 8, next year. We’ve managed to wipe away the drool, sit down and put together a list of what to look out for with the software juggernaut’s next release.

Learning from Success

From all indications, Windows 8 will in many ways be an exercise in learning from success stories in the consumer technology sector – their own success as well as that of competitors.

Following the catastrophic failure that was Windows Vista, Microsoft has come back strong with the releases of Windows 7 and Windows Phone 7. During the same period, the world has seen an explosion in interest in mobile devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, etc.), casual apps, as well as a growing appreciation of an immersive and aesthetically pleasing user experience (as pioneered by Apple and marquee “Web 2.0” sites).

Windows 8 will be looking to integrate all of these successes into one complete package.

Windows 8 Features

Windows 8 boasts a rather exciting list of new features which reflect this urge to learn from success and to take the leap into the next generation of home computing.

Windows 8 highlights include:

  • Support for ARM processors: The majority of mobile devices utilise ARM processors (as opposed to Intel and AMD “x86” CPUs). Support for them will allow Windows 8 to run on mobile platforms as well as desktops.
  • Windows To Go: The ability to run a light version of your operating system off a flash drive for resources on the go.
  • Tiled user interface: Building on the user interface introduced with Windows Phone 7, Windows 8 will replace the traditional desktop (which will still be available if required) with a beautiful mosaic-style interface. The look and feel of the operating system in general will rely on elegant typography and minimalist graphics.
  • Lightning fast boot times: Windows 8 promises to load faster than any other Microsoft operating system to date.
  • Windows Store: Integrated, always-on access to the Windows app store will be a key feature.