If you ask me it's only a matter of time before "we the people" morph into walking touch screens. It seems like every new technology innovation is catered to the touch screen world. Windows 8 is no different. And, it's been causing quite a stir within the greater technology-savvy industry since it's Windows 8 Release preview became available a couple of weeks ago. It's definitely...different; and let's face it: people are afraid of change.

At Blue Archer, we took one look at a screen shot of the preview's start screen and let out a collective groan. However, after doing some additional research, although I must admit we're still partial to Windows 7, it looks like Windows 8 isn't exactly "the worst thing that could ever happen". And, those are multiple obsessive-bloggers and forum-submitting-junkies words - not mine- folks.

I suggest we take a deep breath, remember the world is not ending for another 7 months, and simply walk ourselves through a bit of the new windows experience that they have in store for us. Let's start at the most logical of places- the Start screen:

Take it in. Like I said, it is definitely different- especially for PC's. Honestly, though, it shouldn't be that scary.

Start

Basically, this Start screen, which you can tailor design-wise to fit your favorite colors, allows you to see your favorite apps, information, and updates all in one place. There are weather apps so you can keep tabs on what's going on outside even when you are buried with several hours worth of work at your desk. Additionally, there are apps so you can keep an eye on your social media interactions. If you're not a big app-person, you can also add your favorite websites to your start screen. Windows' aim here is to provide you with all of the information that is important to you, without having to open and close a couple dozen screens. On your start screen, you can group certain information together as well as set a certain zoom so you can see all your information at once or limit it to just a few of your favorites.

Integration 

With the new Windows 8, Windows hopes to be able to better integrate all your devices through your windows account. This means, you can access all of your information from your tablet, your PC, or your Windows phone. And, like I mentioned, you can still customize the fit of the screen per device. Perhaps you have a couple dozen things on your home screen on your tablet but only zoom in for a few on your phone.

Windows 8 is also vastly compatible with your favorite video, games, and music. Apparently, Xbox just came out with their own Xbox SmartGlass service, which you will be able to download from the Windows Store, where you can start to watch movies and videos and finish watching them on your TV.

Tablet Interface

Now, Windows 8 certainly isn't without its flaws. Like I mentioned, it is pretty clear that it was developed with some sort of touch screen in mind. On a Windows tablet, it has received generally positive reviews. When the users switched over to their primary desktop, however, they have seen some problems. One reviewer writes "It feels like a forced mashup of a desktop operating system and a tablet interface."

Overall, it looks like we will have to wait and see until Windows 8 is actually released later this year to make any kind of final stand on the issue at hand. Until then, be sure to check out all of the services we provide at Blue Archer, a leading Pittsburgh web design company.