The Release Preview build of Windows 8 features new apps, richer experiences, tens of thousands of refinements and a touch-friendly Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer 10.
“We’re thrilled to be at this milestone with the Windows 8 Release Preview,” said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, marking the operating system’s final stage of development before being rolled out to PC and tablet manufacturers.
Microsoft released the previous Windows 8 Consumer Preview build of the operating system (OS) back in February. The OS was downloaded more than 1 million times in the first 24 hours and has since become the company’s most tested operating system of all time.
Since then, Microsoft has made a number of improvements to refine the Windows 8 experience. The OS is destined to be found on touchscreen tablets and traditional PCs in the future. It will have to compete with the growing onslaught of Android-powered tablets hitting the web and iOS on Apple’s iPad (the next version of iOS is expected to be previewed during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference next week).
One of the major updates found on the latest version of Windows 8 is the addition of brand new apps from both Microsoft and its third-party partners.
“Highlights include Bing Travel, News and Sports apps, as well as Gaming and Music Xbox apps that integrate with your Zune pass,” said Microsoft. “The Windows 8 Release Preview also features notable improvements to the Mail, Photos and People apps that initially debuted with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.”
New personalization options give users the ability to customize their Start screen and work across multiple monitors. There are also new Family Safety features.
Additionally Microsoft is the first browser maker to switch on the Do Not Track feature within its Internet Explorer 10 web browser as default.
Microsoft is working towards the “goal of having PCs with Windows 8 and Windows RT available for the holidays.”
Consumers wanting to try out Microsoft’s Windows 8 Release Preview can download the OS for free from
Microsoft said consumers in 131 markets who purchase a Windows 7 PC between June 2 and January 13, 2013 will be eligible for an upgrade to the new Windows 8 Pro software at a discounted price of $14.99.
There will be discounts and offers for Windows 7 customers who upgrade too. Microsoft said it will announce these offers in the coming months.
No comments:
Post a Comment