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Windows 8's 8 key features that can save Microsoft!

As the launch date of Windows8 comes closer, industry speculated even harder on how this one last gamble of micrsoft can save the company's ship from drowning. Media reports that Microsoft is taking a huge gamble by tailoring the new version of its flagship OS, Windows 8, as a unified OS across desktop and mobile platforms.

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DQW Bureau
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As the launch date of Windows8 comes closer, industry speculated even harder on how this one last gamble of micrsoft can save the company's ship from drowning.
Media reports that Microsoft is taking a huge gamble by tailoring the new version of its flagship OS, Windows 8, as a unified OS across desktop and mobile platforms.
The company is not letting any stone unturned. The company has already started its $1.8 billion promotion of Windows 8 with a TVC aired officially.
While companies from HP to Acer to Lenovo have announced information about their forthcoming Windows 8 tablets and computers, Microsoft itself has stayed relatively quiet about its own hardware - its Surface tablet until now.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer introduced the all-new Surface tablet during the company's mystery event in Los Angeles recently. It will start shipping and be on sale at Microsoft stores on Oct. 26, the same date that Windows 8 is officially available.
The general availability of Windows 8 will bring a whole new generation of devices in the market such as Ultrabooks, Convertibles, and Touch based bigger screen desktops such as Sony Vaio Tap.
So, how Windows8 is unique and distinct in its features, lets see some of its key eight features that can help Microsoft win its biggest gamble so far!
1. Touch based interface
Touch-based interface is the future. This is easily inferred from the user interface that Windows 8 comprises of, tile-based screens that can be moved horizontally, which of course feels completely natural on a touch-based device.
There has been a mixed response to Windows 8 so far, with some users liking the revamped style, while others complaining that such a touch-oriented interface feels very awkward on a traditional system.
The Internet Explorer 10 browser that comes with Windows 8 features a gesture-based zoom pan for those preferring a touch screen experience
2. Built-in Security programme
Windows8 is already gaining grounds with with Microsoft aspects of the new operating system related to anti-malware protection and other security features. Windows 8 comes with Security program pre-installed in it. Windows Defender protects your PC against viruses, malware, Trojans, and other harmful programs automatically. The OS claims to be more secure with features like Secure-boot, Bit locker etc
3. New OS-App Centric
The Windows 8 metro apps work just like the mobile apps but with full computer software functionalities.
Right now Microsoft has bundled 11 apps with Windows 8 RTM which actually brings all your social web, maps, mail and news requirements right on your device desktop.
Windows8 carries a very exciting feature called Windows Runtime, or WinRT, a cross-platform application architecture. Applications developed using WinRT for Windows 8 were described by Microsoft as being Metro-style apps; a term tying them in with a design language of the same name used heavily throughout the operating system.
Windows 8 is the only OS which is providing the feasibility of using both mobile and PC operating environment in one.
For example, the OS also brings all your favorite mobile games like Fruit Ninja, Cut the Rope, and Angry Birds title on your desktop, tablet, or ultrabooks.
The Windows8 is focussed on enterprise and microsoft office 2013 emphasize on cloud.
4. Windows Control Bar and Charms!
Windows8 control bar Options include Personalize, Users, Wireless, Notifications, General, Privacy, Search and Share. The Personalize menu will allow users to customize their Start menu with any tiles they please, ranging from calendar, to music, Netflix, email and more.
'Charms' sidebar, a unique and distinct feature of Windos8, is the innovative tool to quickly configure settings for individual apps, and are accessed by dragging the mouse to the bottom left corner of the screen on traditional non-touch PCs.
This is the same place the Windows Start button was located on previous Windows operating systems. On a tablet, users can swipe from the right side of the screen to access charms.
The Charms sidebar offers five sets of options that include both app-specific settings and system settings. These choices are Start, Search, Share, Devices, and Settings.
5. Personal Touch
This feature is designed to make it easier for users to run two apps simultaneously in Windows 8.
Users can resize them, switch between them, and snap an app into place on the desktop.
Also, Microsoft has made it easier to copy multiple files at once with Windows 8. A new feature compiles copy operations into a single dialog box rather than requiring users to launch a separate dialog box for each app.
The new "tattoos" feature gives users another way to personalize their desktop or home screen background beyond changing the wallpaper and screensavers. This was initially discovered in the Release to Manufacturing version of Windows 8, allowing users to ink their Windows system.
Windows 8 RTM also contained a feature that allowed users to customize the lock screen picture on PCs. In this version of the software six different choices were available for the lock screen, which can also be changed in the Personalize menu referenced above.
6. A new Windows Store
The Windows Store is expected to get more than 100,000 apps within three months of its launch. While some have criticized the upcoming Windows Store of transforming the OS into a closed platform, others would argue that Microsoft's new App shop has promise.

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7. Windows 8 Updates at ease
Windows 8 is designed to receive updates just like any other mobile OS.
Usres can update their Tablets,smartphones just by getting connected to Wi-Fi network. The new updates will bring OS updates, apps update, and new features directly to your Windows 8 device. Also, Windows 8 will be Microsoft's first operating system to be compatible with ARM-based tablets and x86 PCs based on ARM processors.7. Windows 8 Updates at ease
Windows 8 is designed to receive updates just like any other mobile OS.
Usres can update their Tablets,smartphones just by getting connected to Wi-Fi network. The new updates will bring OS updates, apps update, and new features directly to your Windows 8 device.
Also, Windows 8 will be Microsoft's first operating system to be compatible with ARM-based tablets and x86 PCs based on ARM processors.
8. New recovery Options
Two new recovery functions are included in Windows 8 i.e Refresh and Reset. Refresh restores all Windows files to their original state while keeping settings, files, and apps, while reset takes the computer back to factory default condition, just like a fresh installation of OS. This gives a relief to skip the requiremnet of a media disc to re-install the Windows 8.

(This article firest appeared in www.dqindia.com. For more articles please refer to Dataquest)

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