Windows 8 ushers in new era of ‘no compromise’ computing

By Cassandra Mascarenhas in Singapore

Introducing a whole new look and experience to the world’s most popular operating system, Microsoft Windows 8 was officially launched at Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre last week at which Microsoft Singapore hosted 900 consumers, international media, partners and bloggers.

The latest release since the launch of its predecessor in 2009, it debuted with over 50 new devices from Microsoft partners, built especially for Windows 8, all of which were featured at the official launch.

Consumers and businesses can now experience all that Windows 8 has to offer – a beautiful new user interface available on more than 1,000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets and a wide range of apps with the opening of the Windows Store in 17 markets across Asia Pacific.

Microsoft has engaged with more than 30,000 developers in Asia Pacific – Southeast Asia, Korea, Australia and New Zealand – and they are building some innovative apps for Windows 8.

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a re-imagined Windows to the world,” Microsoft Asia Pacific President Tracey Fellows at the launch. “Whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play, Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise computing experience. You no longer need to choose between the fun and convenience of a tablet and the power and productivity of a PC.”

Fellows revealed that Windows 8 is also the most tested operating system from Microsoft with over 16 million people testing it prior to its launch. She added that it has a strong level of security built into the core of the product.

These include malware filtering, built-in antivirus software and support for secure boot, a UEFI feature which requires operating systems to be digitally signed to prevent malware from infecting the boot process, along with other changes and performance improvements.

“This is something CIOs and enterprises will love with so many of their employees now coming into work with their own devices,” she noted.

A software engineer for Microsoft mirrored her thoughts, explaining that despite talk of companies not having a compelling reason to adopt the new operating system, these inbuilt security features will certainly urge them to do so and added that the operating system will have a very aggressive roll out.

“Why Windows 8 over Windows 7?” was a pertinent question Fellows raised. “Windows 8 includes the integration of touch, a much faster environment (it takes a mere seven seconds to boot up), and a marketplace enabling different consumer experiences amongst many other new features. We wanted to create a great experience for customers which brought about surface.”

The operating system has been built in a way where it can run on devices with a four inch screen to one with even an 82 inch screen. This reflects Microsoft’s focus on improving its experience on mobile devices to rival other mobile operating systems (such as Android and iOS), taking advantage of new and emerging technologies.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Nokia,” asserted Fellows. “The next new phone from Nokia will be released featuring Windows 8 as its operating system.”

Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive, along with six gigabytes of SkyDrive storage. Furthermore, it does not necessarily require a ‘Live’ ID as the OS works with other systems as well.

A highly interactive system with a slick new interface, Windows 8 can be experienced best through a device with a touch screen as it is highly geared towards mobility and the brand new look will certainly draw younger users.

However, it comes with an option which allows users more comfortable with the traditional format to switch to the conventional Windows desktop, which has been completely done away with on the new interface.

Multiple versions have been made available to make it compatible with traditional desktop PC software. Windows 8 is available for download onto existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages. New devices from a wide range of manufacturers—including Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba—will be available at retail locations throughout Asia Pacific.

Customers will be able to choose from a range of new models, including notebooks, tablets, all-in-ones, touch-enabled ultrabooks and convertibles, all built for Windows 8.

With the video game console xBox celebrating 10 years in Asia next month, in a move to further expand xBox and allow access to it on PCs, Microsoft has also introduced xBox branded apps on Windows 8. These have so far been confirmed for the US and 22 other countries.

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which enables new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life.