Microsoft has unveiled the new Windows 8 platform. Some say it is just an “add on” to the last version. Some say they love the “hot new looks”. The new software has something unique called “panels” to bring to the table.
Using the new Windows 8 will be easy for those with fat fingers. Microsoft decided not to go with widgets or icons and created panels to use in unique ways. Small fingers will be just as useful since panels are useful for both. The appearance of panels was also present on the Windows Phone 7 platform, leading reviewers to proclaim that it is just a copy with some embellishments.
The whole idea behind the panels is that they will be able to show a preview of what is going on in the system. For instance, the weather panel shows the temperature. An investment panel will show the current up or down stock indicators. The start screen or “home page” of Windows 8 is filled with panels of different colors. The panels of the start screen can be personalized. The next set of panels on the start screen is partially hidden on the right side so that the user knows they are there. They can be slid fully into view or left where they are. Windows 7 is built the same way.
The Windows 8 platform will be set up for three user inputs; touch, mouse and keyboard. The developers had a goal of making it fast to get from app to app while the apps are running. All that needs to happen is to swipe to the right and running apps cover up existing apps. They also created a new feature called “snap” for this platform. This is the ability to have an app running full screen and then bring up an app running from the background on the side. The first app will be downsized and the second will take up its place on the side of the screen. The size of either running app can be changed from a quick drag of the finger.
Microsoft Windows 8 will also have a new way to type on a virtual keyboard. The developers were concerned that users would have to reach “all the way” to the middle of the screen to get to letters like the “g” and “y”. To alleviate this perceived problem, they divided up the keyboard into two halves and placed the buttons for the keys on either side of the screen.
Older Windows programs such as Excel can be run next to new apps. Using the touch feature on a tablet with Excel is going to be a new experience for many. The Windows 8 operating system is due to be on the market sometime in the last half of 2012.
