Microsoft have released a Developer Preview of Windows 8. This is a build of the software designed for developers to begin developing apps using the new capabilities of Windows 8 and our new tools.
The build is substantially complete across subsystems but is not a beta by any measures that we use to define a beta.
Of course Windows 8 is designed from the ground up to be an amazing upgrade (or clean install) for any PC that runs Windows 7. But we know many folks are anxious to try out some of the new scenarios and form factors that will also make Windows 8 shine.
There are no Windows 8 PCs yet, but there are PCs we have been using in Microsoft Windows8 labs and that has been using to test the new capabilities of Windows 8.
Windows 8 taking the next step in adopting touch as a truly first-class input mechanism by evolving not only Windows User Interface, but many other platform elements as well.
Another aspect of change in Windows 8 has been how Windows 8 approached the touch experience. So how do we define a good touch experience in Windows 8?
To get the Windows 8 developer preview, just head on to Microsoft's developer site and download it. You'll just need a PC with a 1GHz or faster processor (either 32- or 64-bit), 1GB of RAM (2GB for 64-bit), 16GB of hard disk space (20GB for 64-bit), DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver. Of course, if you want to play with Windows 8's touch abilities, you'll need a screen that supports multi-touch.
Panning and touch response are precise and smooth (we call this “stick to your finger” panning).
Touch visualization is direct and immediate.
Targeting UI with your fingers is seamless and confident.
Typing on the screen is quick, efficient and responsive.
Touch application experiences are consistent. Touching these applications will work the same regardless of the device they are run on.
Touch hardware coverage: Here are some of the newer Windows 7 systems that Windows 8 uses most commonly:
- HP Elitebook 2740p and 2760p convertible
- ASUS EP121 tablet
- Dell Inspiron Duo convertible
- Lenovo x201, x220t convertible
- 3M M2256PW 22” display
Windows 8 can also work on a broader set of in-market systems. Touch quality is not only about the touchscreen and its relationship to the user. It is important to test complete systems, things like bezel design, graphics, CPU and cover glass can impact the Windows 8 touch experience as well.
In fact, Windows 8 is to support the hardware that is running with Windows 7 today and so that to bring a good experience to customers who upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8.
Below is a list of the devices (tested) that Windows 8 supports till date:
- 3M M2256PW
- Dell ST2220Tc
- HP TouchSmart_IQ526t
- Acer Aspire 1420p (PDC)
- Dell Studio 1747
- Lenovo C320
- Acer Aspire 1825PT
- Dell Studio One
- Lenovo S10-3T
- Acer Aspire 5738PG
- Dell SX2210T
- Lenovo ThinkPad T410S
- Acer Aspire Z5610
- Elo 1522L
- Lenovo ThinkPad X201T
- Acer Iconia
- EXOPC
- Lenovo ThinkPad X220T
- Acer T230H
- Fujitsu Lifebook T4310
- Lenovo ThinkPad_X60
- Acer W500
- HP Compaq L2105TM
- NEC MultiSync LCD175M
- ASUS EP 121
- HP EliteBook 2740P
- Planar PX2230MW
- ASUS TCA70
- HP Mini 5102
- Samsung Series 7 XE700T1A
- Dell Inspiron 2305
- HP Pavilion_tx2000
- Sony V J series
- Dell Inspiron Duo
- HP Pavillion DV3T-2000
- Sony V L series
- Dell Inspiron One 2305
- HP Tablet 500
- Sony VPCL113FX/B
- Dell Latitude E6420
- HP TouchSmart 610
- Sony VPCL-218FW
- Dell Latitude XT
- HP TouchSmart IQ500
- Toshiba Portege_M700
- Dell ST2220T
- HP TouchSmart TX2Z
- Toshiba Sattellite Har/Kar
To get the Windows 8 developer preview, just head on to Microsoft's developer site and download it. You'll just need a PC with a 1GHz or faster processor (either 32- or 64-bit), 1GB of RAM (2GB for 64-bit), 16GB of hard disk space (20GB for 64-bit), DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver. Of course, if you want to play with Windows 8's touch abilities, you'll need a screen that supports multi-touch.
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