Microsoft Possibly Working on Own Windows 8 Tablet

Microsoft might be taking a cue from Apple and deciding to manufacture and sell their own Windows 8 tablets. Rumours state that the Windows OS developer might be working with Texas Instruments and Taiwanese OEMs to build a Microsoft branded tablet. Microsoft has chosen not to confirm the rumour to Digitimes, the source of the story. The tablet, if it does exist will be launched sometime at the end of 2012. If the rumours are true, there’s bound to be some displeasure from Microsoft’s partners who would be launching their own Windows 8 tablets Microsoft refuses to confirm or deny the rumours Apple and Google both have devices that are sold as their own although they both use OEMs to manufacturer the devices for them. Microsoft hasn’t had the same success as Apple in creating their own brand of products. The Xbox 360 is their only major success. The other products such as the Zune and Kin smartphone failed to impress. Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system is slated to be launched in 2012  with support for desktops as well as tablets based on the the ARM architecture as well as traditional x86 and x64 systems.

Computex 2011: Windows 8 Build 7985 Demoed

At Computex 2011, several attendees managed to get a glimpse of the latest build of Windows 8. The build - 7985.fbl_core1_kernel was reportedly readied on May 3 to make a partner preview of the same possible at the event in Taipei. The complete build string, 7985.fbl_core1_kernel_cptx.110503-1501 clearly reveals the same. The Milestone 3, however, comes sans a couple of shell changes that Microsoft introduced, among which was the superbar user account image integration.

Heavy buil(d)t!

The Windows 8 interface does pick up some cues from Windows Phone 7, but that ends there. Windows 8 allows users to launch apps using the tile-based start screen, and will be a replacement to the good old Windows 7 start up screen. Among the applications included are live tile notifications and the ability to naturally switch between applications. Users now also have the provision to snap and resize an application to place it on the side of the new touch screen user interface. 

At the All Things Digital D9 conference, Microsoft did raise the curtains over the new Windows 8 user interface. It was at the conference that Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft's President of the Windows Division mentioned the company’s plans to reveal some more details at the BUILD conference in September.

Windows 8 unveiled for your tablet

Bangalore: Microsoft unveiled its windows 8 for tablets in D9 conference assuring the fact that they are a strong contender in the tablet market.

Microsoft displayed a demo of windows 8 through a video which showed that this next generation operating system will be a user and touch-friendly experience that will work seamlessly on tablets, desktops, and laptops. It also added that it will also respond to keyboards and mouse if they are attached.The rapidly evolving PC world has forced Microsoft to evolve new mechanism and hence Windows 8 file-sharing tools will be much to the friendlier, touch-tacular mobile interface will be more advance. One can tap locally stored and networked photos to select them in a glance and also add them to your albums. This similarly will work the same for documents, videos, and music.

One of the interesting revelation that was made by Microsoft in the event was that developers will be provided with application programming interfaces (APIs) and a software development kit (SDK) that will allow them to create Windows 8 tablet applications in HTML and/or JavaScript. Windows 8 is expected to work in the new version of Internet Explorer 10; however, it was not cleared if the Internet Explorer 10 browser will support the Silverlight plug-in.

One question that remained unclear as to who's support will Microsoft opt for - Intel x86 or ARM versions of Windows 8 PCs and tablets. However Microsoft said it has no plan to add any kind of compatibility layer to enable legacy Windows apps to run on ARM-based PCs and tablets.

CEO Steve Ballmer indicated last week that Microsoft is planning to release Windows 8 in 2012 but the event did not announce the date on which the operating system will be available in the market for consumers.