Sunday, September 18, 2011

Windows 8, Metro, and the Evolution of the Web

A build of windows 8 has been released and is available for download from Microsoft here. The build is targeted towards developers who want to get a head start in developing tools and applications that will work under the new user interface dubbed "metro".




It is easily noticeable that this new interface change is targeted towards tablet and touch devices in general. Microsoft, like many other companies, are following the trend (much to my dismay, I love my tactile feedback).

Many changes follow, including changes to Internet Explorer 10 which will give users the option to use the metro-style to browse the internet in the same theme and style as the rest of the operating system.

Windows 8 will feature an option that allows users to use it using an interface similar to that of windows 7, but with updated and new features for those who dislike the metro interface. The new metro version of Internet explorer will not feature any plugins, or flash. In the event that an object needs a tool to be used, a link will be made to open it in the vanilla style Internet Explorer. This is probably due to Microsoft's wishes to streamline their "metro-explorer" and not have it broken in any way through plugins or strange web objects.

Adobe is also gearing up for the move from flash as seen in many new products by working on a new tool called Adobe Edge. A design suite for making HTML5 content.

As these changes to windows continue to feature tablet-orientated updates,

A guide on installing the build on a virtual machine can be found here.
For those wanting to have a more fluid experience and wish to partition their hard drive and install it there, click here.

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