Machado Consulting

Have you heard the latest buzz? The next version of Windows and its interface is looking really good and should give Apple and Google a good fight not just in the PC arena but also in the phone and tablet area too. So far, the user interface looks really smooth and it delivers a fast and fluid-like interface. The new release is expected later this year around July-August timeframe. If you’d like to take a look, check out the video below or if you’re feeling really bold, click here to download the Release Preview. A word of caution though, while Microsoft does an outstanding job of testing their releases, it’s still a pre-release version so it may, most likely will, have some bugs still. Tread lightly, consider yourself warned; pre-release software is not for the faint-of-hearted. Don't believe me? Here's the warning from Microsoft's website:

"We strongly recommend that only experienced PC users download Windows 8 Release Preview. Before you download the preview, you should weigh the pros and cons of installing software that's still in development. If you install the preview release, you'll get to try out the many new features, but you might also encounter errors that you wouldn't encounter using a released version of Windows."

Unlike Windows 7, which was more of an incremental upgrade, according to Microsoft, Windows 8 has been "reimagined from the chipset to the user experience" to connect more with the user. Windows 8 features a new user interface inspired by Microsoft's Metro design language that can be used for multiple input methods, including touch screen and physical button input similar to the Xbox 360.

It appears that Microsoft is working hard to make Windows 8 work with today’s hardware and also ensuring that software and application compatibility will carry forward similarly like Windows 7. If you’re looking to understand how Windows 8 will benefit your business, here are just a couple of ways:

One of my favorites is Windows to go. It’s pretty cool; a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable USB stick. This will allow employees to work from anywhere on any device, while also helping us IT professionals keep their organizations secure.

As far as security goes, additional security features that allow end-to-end security such as Trusted Boot, BitLocker Drive Encryption and AppLocker. These and other features provide employees a more secure foundation no matter where they are located.

And did I mention one interface for your PC, phone and tablets? Microsoft, as they've done in the past, is taking a lesson, i.e. copying, from some of the other successes of Apple and Google. The iPhone and iPad interfaces are revolutionary and is it coincidental that Microsoft Windows 8 looks a lot like that? I think not. They say that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” well Apple should be flattered. Not that Microsoft has ever done that before. :D

So with all this, should Apple be concerned? I don’t think so, but I think Microsoft just upped the ante.