Microsoft showcases Windows 8 at BUILD

Microsoft kicked off its BUILD conference in Anaheim, California, by showcasing a detailed preview of Windows 8 to eager devs.

A number of new features were highlighted during the BUILD keynote speech, including an in-depth look at the Metro touch-friendly UI, full-screen apps and “touch-first browsing” with IE 10.


Microsoft also focused on the operating system’s comprehensive sync capabilities, which effectively “roams” all content from various cloud services – photos, email, calendar and contacts – while keeping them up-to-date on multiple devices.

“We [basically] reimagined Windows,” explained Microsoft exec Steven Sinofsky. “From the chipset to the user experience, Windows 8 brings a new range of capabilities without compromise.”



According to Sinofsky, Windows 8 is built on the “rock-solid foundation” of Windows 7, as it delivers improvements in performance, security, privacy and system reliability.

And perhaps most importantly, 

”Windows 8 reduces the memory footprint needed – even on the lowest-end hardware – leaving more room for your apps,” he reiterated.

Additional Windows 8 highlights include:

  • Windows Store – Allows devs to easily sell and distribute their apps.
  • 
Rich hardware integration for DX11 gaming – Facilitates the easy creation of full-screen games with smooth, flicker-free action.

  • New generation of hardware – Support for ARM-based chipsets, x86 (as well as x32 and x64) devices, touch and sensors.
  • Always connected – Ultrathin PCs and tablets turn on instantly, run all day on a single charge and stay linked to the ‘Net.