Features of Windows 8

From the chipset to the user experience, Windows 8 brings a new range of capabilities without compromise.

Windows 8 is designed to be the first Windows client to support systems on a chip (SoC) architectures, including ARM, and since it will be pre-installed on a range of next generation devices, it will also feature Metro, a NUI + GUI interface on the surface combined with a new application platform under-the-hood designed to enable the creation of immersive experiences.

The latest iteration of Microsoft's operating system brings an innovative new platform and tools to developers. Windows 8 apps can use a broad set of new libraries and controls, designed for fluid interaction and seamless connectivity. Apps can add new capabilities to Windows and to other apps, connecting with one another through the new interface.

Features of  Windows 8 :

Touch-First User Interface :

• Metro Style - Windows 8 introduces a new Metro style interface built for touch, which shows information important to you, embodies simplicity and gives user control. The Metro style UI is equally at home with a mouse and keyboard as well.
• Touch-First Browsing, not just browsing on a Touch Device - Providing a fast and fluid touch-browsing experience, Internet Explorer 10 puts sites at the center on new Windows 8 devices.

More Ways to Engage with Powerful Applications :

• Powered by Apps - Metro style apps built for Windows 8 are the focal point of user experience, filling your entire screen so there are no distractions.
• Apps can Work Together - Apps communicate with each other in Windows 8. For example, user can easily select and email photos from different places, such as Facebook, Flickr or on their hard drive.
• User experience Syncs across Their Devices - Live roams all the content from the cloud services user use most — photos, email, calendar and contacts — keeping them up-to-date on their devices. With SkyDrive, user can access their files, photos and documents from virtually anywhere with any browser or with Metro style apps in Windows 8.

Enhanced Fundamentals :

• The Best of Windows 7, only Better - Windows 8 is built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7, delivering improvements in performance, security, privacy and system reliability. Windows 8 reduces the memory footprint needed - even on the lowest-end hardware - leaving more room for user applications.
• Preserving Power-User Favorites and making them better - For those who push the limits of their PC, Windows 8 features an enhanced Task Manager and Windows Explorer and new, flexible options for multi-monitor setups.

New Developer Opportunities :

• Windows Store - The Windows Store will allow developers to sell their applications anywhere Windows is sold worldwide, whether they’re creating new games or familiar productivity tools.
• Build using More Languages - Windows 8 lets user control their existing skills and code assets to create great experiences using the programming language they prefer.
• Rich Hardware Integration leads to Richer Experiences, particularly for Games - DirectX 11 gaming power underlies Windows 8, allowing the easy creation of full-screen games with smooth, flicker-free action.

New Generation of Hardware :

• One Windows - Many Shapes and Sizes - Support for ARM-based chipsets, x86 (as well as x32 and x64) devices, touch and sensors means Windows 8 works beautifully across a spectrum of devices, from 10-inch tablets and laptops to all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition screens.
• Always connected - With Windows 8, new ultra-thin PCs and tablets turn on instantly, run all day on a single charge and stay connected to the Internet so user’s computer is ready when they are. Next-generation system on a chip (SoC) support will also enable greatly extended standby and low-power states.
• Tap the Full Power of User Computer - Windows 8 runs on PCs and is compatible with the devices and programs user are using today on Windows 7, without compromise, to deliver the performance they expect of a computer.

Requirements :

• 1 GigaHertz (GHz) or Faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Processor;
• 1 Gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit);
• 16 GB available Hard Disk Space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit);
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
• Taking advantage of touch input requires a screen that supports Multi-Touch.