Windows 8 Tablet UI revealed

smartpatrol

Senior member
Mar 8, 2006
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http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/microsoft-unveils-windows-8-tablet-prototypes/

Reportedly, there'll be two kinds of applications for Windows 8, one that runs in a traditional desktop, and the other pseudo-mobile apps based on HTML5 and Javascript, but both environments -- rather, the entire OS -- has apparently been designed from the ground up for touchscreen use, though keyboard and mouse are also options for both sets of programs

It uses the Metro UI from WP7. Looks very cool IMO.
 

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
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Windows 8 already? No... NO! Things are moving too fast Microsoft. You need to chill out for a few years.
 

Bryf50

Golden Member
Nov 11, 2006
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I'm torn on this. It looks like a great tablet OS, but I hope they don't try to bring this UI anywhere near desktops.
 

Deeko

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
30,213
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Windows 8 already? No... NO! Things are moving too fast Microsoft. You need to chill out for a few years.

Its about par for the course if it comes out next year. 2000/ME, then XP in 2002, Vista in 2006, 7 in 2009, 8 in 2012.
 

smartpatrol

Senior member
Mar 8, 2006
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There's a video up now and it looks pretty cool. It's basically a front end on top of Windows with a touch-friendly UI. You can still access the Windows desktop and run non-tablet applications.
 

speg

Diamond Member
Apr 30, 2000
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Did you guys read the article/watch the video? It IS coming to laptops and desktops too. This is not just the 'tablet' UI. It is the Windows 8 UI.
 

tatteredpotato

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2006
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The UI is a lot more interesting than the iOS interface, however I'm going to assume the demos were run on x86 hardware. Once I see this running on an ARM chip I'll be more interested.
 

dougp

Diamond Member
May 3, 2002
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The UI is a lot more interesting than the iOS interface, however I'm going to assume the demos were run on x86 hardware. Once I see this running on an ARM chip I'll be more interested.

Already confirmed that it will run on ARM chipsets.
 

smartpatrol

Senior member
Mar 8, 2006
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Did you guys read the article/watch the video? It IS coming to laptops and desktops too. This is not just the 'tablet' UI. It is the Windows 8 UI.

The video clearly shows that you will be able to access the Windows desktop like normal. It's not like the tablet-friendly interface will be your only way of interacting with Windows.
 

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
27,730
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Still watching the video, but that tile-UI looks like ass. I have no doubt that we'll be able to switch to a more 'traditional' Windows desktop UI.

Dammit, Linux gaming needs to grow so I can retire Windows.
 

speg

Diamond Member
Apr 30, 2000
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The video clearly shows that you will be able to access the Windows desktop like normal. It's not like the tablet-friendly interface will be your only way of interacting with Windows.

And? I was only clarifying the fact that this is Windows 8 (on all systems) and not just tablet specific.
 

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,757
986
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LOL he said tiles are way better than icons, yeah I want my monitor filled up with 8 tiles, not.

I won't be touching Windows 8 with a 10 foot poll.
 

_Aurel_

Member
Jan 10, 2011
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Despite Windows Phone 7 being super smooth and simple to use in operation, I can't get past just being bored of it when I use it. There isn't anything wrong with it, it just doesn't pull me. I feel the same way about this. But I'm not really too concerned because I think the age of one OS dominating computers with a 90% market share is pretty much over with.
 

Deeko

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
30,213
12
81
Despite Windows Phone 7 being super smooth and simple to use in operation, I can't get past just being bored of it when I use it. There isn't anything wrong with it, it just doesn't pull me. I feel the same way about this. But I'm not really too concerned because I think the age of one OS dominating computers with a 90% market share is pretty much over with.
yeas..people have been saying that for decades it seems.

Sent from my Venue Pro using Board Express
 

Genx87

Lifer
Apr 8, 2002
41,091
513
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Looks like Windows Media Center is now the OS. Though honestly I dont think that is the worst thing. I do like the seperated touch keyboard idea.
 

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
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people complaining about the UI, please understand that you will still be able to access the familiar windows desktop if desired, and i'm sure you will be able to set it as a default if you want to. Can't argue with more choice.
 

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,757
986
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people complaining about the UI, please understand that you will still be able to access the familiar windows desktop if desired, and i'm sure you will be able to set it as a default if you want to. Can't argue with more choice.

But this means developers will have to make 2 UI's for a program, and which do you think will get the bulk of their attention? In most programs a vanilla looking Windows UI will probably be nothing more than an after thought. So while it'll offer both, imho the touch screen one will probably be the only one worth really using.
 

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
But this means developers will have to make 2 UI's for a program, and which do you think will get the bulk of their attention? In most programs a vanilla looking Windows UI will probably be nothing more than an after thought. So while it'll offer both, imho the touch screen one will probably be the only one worth really using.

my opinion is that most apps are best suited to one UI or the other, probably along the lines of content creation/consumption. I imagine developers will focus on the one that matters for the particular app, and may not even bother with the other.