Microsoft has just officially released the new Windows 8 for consumer preview! You can now download and install it to experience the latest operating system from Microsoft.
This new OS from Microsoft requires some minor paradigm shifts for most users as the user interface is more tailored for touch screen devices.
On Microsoft’s website, it’s described as:
It’s Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability. It’s an all-new touch interface. It’s a new Windows for new devices.
Everything also begins at the ‘Start’ screen. If you’ve seen or used a Windows Phone before, this might look familiar.
From the Start screen you can launch apps, switch between tasks, share content, and check notifications. The tiles show real-time updates of the things that you subscribe to such as news, sports, and what your friends are up to. You can check your schedule or get the latest weather forecast directly without the need to launch an app to see your next appointment or find out if you have any new email.
So, what else can you expect with this new OS? The most notable difference is the replacement of the Start button with what is called a “Start preview thumbnail”. It displays a preview of the start screen on top of an interface that allows you to cycle through all of your open applications. There’s also something new called “Flyout” notifications.
What kind of machine do you need to run it? Well, here’s Microsoft recommendation:
- 1 GHz or faster processor
- 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
- 1024 x 768 minimum screen resolution
If you wish to follow the latest development of Windows 8, you can visit the official product writer’s blog here.
Ready to download and test drive Windows 8?
Windows 8 Consumer Preview (64-bit, 3.3GB)
Microsoft Official Link
Mirror (Files split into Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) [use FileSplitter to merge]
Sha 1 hash — 1288519C5035BCAC83CBFA23A33038CCF5522749
Windows 8 Consumer Preview (32-bit, 2.5 GB)
Microsoft Official Link
Mirror (Files split into Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) [use FileSplitter to merge]
Sha 1 hash — E91ED665B01A46F4344C36D9D88C8BF78E9A1B39
