Microsoft launches Windows 8 system

Microsoft launches Windows 8 system

BARCELONA - Agence France-Presse

Windows President Steven Sinofsky is seen at the Windows 8 Consumer Preview presentation in Barcelona. REUTERS photo

Windows President Steven Sinofsky is seen at the Windows 8 Consumer Preview presentation in Barcelona.

IT giant Microsoft on Feb. 29 delivered its answer to Google and Apple, through a new-generation Windows operating system designed to run seamlessly on computers and portable tablet devices.
“Windows 8 is a generational change in the Windows operating system,” said Windows president Steven Sinofsky. “It’s Windows reimagined,” he added, launching the consumer preview of the operating system at the world’s biggest mobile fair in Barcelona.

 The operating system is Microsoft’s riposte to Google’s Android platform and Apple, which has dominated the tablet market it ignited with the release of the iPad. Like its two competitors, Microsoft is adopting the “app” style in its reinvented operating system.

 Unlike previous generations of Windows, which has a taskbar pulling up a list of software, the
latest version has a selection of applications or “apps” tiled on the start page.

 For devices with touch screens, apps are selected or moved around in the same way as on a smartphone -- by hand, swiping to switch between pages or screens, pinching to enlarge or shrink and tapping to select. For those without touch screens, the same could be done using the drag and drop functions, or clicks of a mouse.

Microsoft also announced on Feb. 29 the test opening of its Windows Store, where users can buy apps online.

Although it is a heavyweight in the computer market, Microsoft has lagged behind in getting a share of the smartphone and tablet pie.

Windows has teamed up with Finnish giant Nokia to make smartphones to try to win back a share.
The Windows 8 preview is available for download at preview.windows.com. During the preview period, apps on the Windows

Store will be available to users to test for free.
LATEST NEWS

  1. Türkiye will continue on path to energy independence, Erdoğan vows

  2. COP29 draft deal proposes rich nations give $250 bln in climate finance

  3. MPs pass reforms on internal security

  4. Romania set to hold presidential election

  5. Israel to end 'administrative detention' for West Bank settlers
Recommended

Rembrandt classic gets makeover

Gallipoli War badge found at Amida Mound

Headliners of Coachella 2025 announced

Banana taped to a wall sells for $6.2 mln

Hagia Sophia restoration album republished

Women from different professions unite to form orchestra

Duo Blanc & Noir continues Türkiye tour
WORLD

COP29 draft deal proposes rich nations give $250 bln in climate finance

A new draft deal at U.N. climate talks Friday proposes rich nations commit $250 billion a year to help poorer nations combat global warming in a bid to break the deadlocked negotiations.
ECONOMY

Over 47 million foreign tourists visit Türkiye in 10 months

Foreign tourist arrivals in Türkiye increased by 7.03 percent year-on-year in January-October to 47.3 million, according to data from the Culture and Tourism Ministry on Nov. 22.

SPORTS

Türkiye heads to Nations League playoffs after Montenegro loss

Türkiye spurned the opportunity to finish atop its group in the UEFA Nations League and qualify for League A directly with a 3-1 loss at Montenegro on Nov. 19 night.