Leaked Build Shows Further iPad-ification Of Windows 8
Leaked Build Shows Further iPad-ification Of Windows 8
Posted 06/20/2011 at 11:04am
| by Brad Chacos
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Reaction to Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 OS have been decidedly mixed. The move towards a single OS for both PCs and mobile devices has angered developers and end users alike: worried developers fear that their years of .Net and Silverlight mastery may fall to the wayside as Microsoft shifts focus to standards like CSS and HTML5, and hardcore PC owners hate the idea of iPad-ifying the desktop environment. The latest build of Windows 8 has leaked onto the Net and should only stoke the mixed usage-hating fires.
Redmond Pie's reporting that the leak, dubbed Build 7989, includes hints of SMS and geolocation support. Better known simply as "text messaging," the inclusion of SMS makes sense for an OS that hopes to find its way onto tablets. But what if you don't want SMS capabilities for your business computer? Apparently, Windows 8 includes code for "per-feature" licensing that could possibly allow Microsoft to ship a "bare bones" OS and allow users to purchase upgrades as needed, similar to the optional upgrades currently offered on Windows Servers.
The virtual keyboard built into Windows is also getting a tablet-friendly overhaul, the site reports. The size of the keys have been increased to further enhance the touch screen capabilities coming to Windows 8. Code pointing to a Microsoft App Store has also been uncovered.
While you can't get your hands on Build 7989 without illegally downloading it via torrent sites, you can view the code hinting at the SMS and geolocation applications online.
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dracx619
June 21, 2011 at 9:08am
the way i see it is that windows 8 will be a huge consumer success but it may falter in the business and psycho nerd groups. im looking forward to it, im sure il get to to work for me as opposed to me fighting with it. its just sad to see a new group of die hards is being born. we got the xp purists and now the win 7 diehards, cant wait for that group of flame wars to begin once 8 gets closer.
maxeeemum
June 21, 2011 at 1:28am
Looks like the beginning of the end!
From all the negative press I doubt this will be released as Windows 8. Microsoft will have to learn that most people are not the "apple sheep". This will be a tablet OS in the end. I don't know what they are thinking???
Silencer
June 20, 2011 at 8:52pm
Windows_8_build_7989_x64 I won't be downloading it. (I recommend PeerBlock.) I may get more serious with Linux, (Ubuntu,) maybe in October. Check out: PlayOnLinux
Dartht33bagger
June 20, 2011 at 7:50pm
If this happens I won't be switching from Windows 7 any time soon.
Holly Golightly
June 20, 2011 at 7:18pm
I like love the design of Windows 8. I would not call it "iPadifying" or anything like that. Windows 8 looks attractive. It does not look the same as all of their other OSs, which is a good thing. Windows 8 is definitely a new beginning. A revolution from the ordinary, into something completely extrodinary!
hawkster3269
June 20, 2011 at 3:20pm
If all of this information turns out to be true, i personally see windows 8 being in the same boat as Vista. That being that most people will stick with 7, just like many stuck with XP instead of making the switch to the new technology.
DJSPIN80
June 20, 2011 at 12:45pm
One kernel to rule them all!
No, MSFT should really differentiate its mobile and desktop offerings. I'm not sure why they're keeping the same OS for all platforms. Are they unable to write a mobile code-base out of Windows? We'll see how it performs!
Neufeldt2002
June 20, 2011 at 12:10pm
While I understand the need for a Windows based tablet, I think MS should really think about keeping the mobile and the desktop separate.
BAMT
June 21, 2011 at 6:22am
Probably not; build 7955 was 32bit. Server, however, will definitely be 64bit only as that was the case with Windows 7.
don2041
June 20, 2011 at 11:15am
If Microsoft does this to Win8 it will mean a very long life for Win7.
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