It's touted as the first truly mobile version of the operating system, and described by Microsoft as a "generational change" in its approach to computing. And now it's here, for us to download and play with.
If you've got a Windows 7 PC, the Windows 8 Consumer Preview should work -- just head over here and hit the 'Get it now' tab. And you're ready to get busy with all those tiles.
All the apps you download will be free until the commercial launch in a few months. Examples include Amazon's Kindle ebook reader, games such as Cut The Rope, and Vimeo for video sharing.
It's designed to work on PCs with a mouse and keyboard, or touchscreen devices like tablets. If you want to calibrate your mouse and keyboard for optimal use on Windows 8, download an app called Microsoft Device Center that'll help you customise your gear.
Windows boss Steven Sinofsky showed off Windows 8 at Mobile World Congress yesterday. He described it as Microsoft's most radical redesign since Windows 95. The redesign started three years ago, right after the launch of Windows 7. Recently, Windows unveiled the logo for Windows 8, keeping with its tile-based design ethic. Though some unkind souls said it looked like it was made using Clip Art.
Nik Rawlinson went hands-on with the new operating system back in September -- read his thoughts here. It's been available for developers for a while now. We predicted Microsoft would make the unveil back at the beginning of the month, and we even got the date right. Get us. Microsoft also explained exactly how Windows 8 will run on mobile devices that use ARM chips.
Download the beta and let me know what you make of it. Can it wipe the slate clean since Windows 7? Let me know in the comments below, or on our Facebook page. And for everything Mobile World Congress, stay tuned to mwc.cnet.co.uk .
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Comments 7
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Khurram Gohar 2 March, 2012 13:51
after installation of win8 beta version can any one g0 back to win7? if possible tell procedure @admin
anonymous 2 March, 2012 23:20
SAME IN HERE . I WAS STUPID AND INSTALL TO MY COMP NOW I CAN NOT GO BACK AS I HAVE NOT GOT INSTALL CD FOR WINDOWS 7, COS IT WAS PREINSTALL AND I CAN NOT REACH IT FROM ADVANCE BOOT MENU COS OPTION FOR RECOVERY IS NOT THERE.
HELLLLLLLLLP
AND DO NOT INSTALLLLLLLLLLLLL
anonymous 3 March, 2012 10:38
I tried the developer preview, and now this and I have to say ITS GONE WORSE, you can't access anything directly anymore, the new start menu might work for somethings but NOT ALL, and thats just horrible, I can't stress enough how horrible it has become, YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING
Jed McInnes 3 March, 2012 19:44
This is just the problem, it has become a mobile OS. More restrictions and less features. Crazy.
TomGiles 4 March, 2012 10:18
This is just a tactic by Microsoft, they give you the preview and because lots of machines come with Windows 7 preinstalled many people don't know how to get back to Windows 7 so they will feel like they will have to wait for Windows 8 to come out and buy the full version. Guys who want to get back to Windows 7, I am afraid you are going to have to start with a clean windows 7 disk or ISO (you can probably download an ISO and burn it to a disk from somewhere online) and then during the install enter the key that is on a sticker saying Windows 7, it should be blue. Then you will have a clean Windows 7 system.
TomGiles 4 March, 2012 10:35
The blue sticker should be somewhere on your chassis.
anonymous 4 March, 2012 13:18
There is one problem, iTunes 10 doesn't work, so u have to run it in compatibility mode, Windows xp service pack 3 :)