On it's Windows 8 blog today Microsoft announced the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview in 14 languages. Windows 8 is entering the final stages of development and is on the road to general availability.
Windows 8 is the next major version of Microsoft's desktop operating system which will receive a dramatic user interface overhaul as it adopts the Metro UI used in Windows Phone OS.
Another unique aspect of Windows 8 is that it will serve to be both a PC operating system as well as a tablet operating system focusing heavily on the multi-touch aspect in navigation and user experience.
Top things you should know about the Windows 8 Release Preview:
- · It delivers new Bing apps, including ones for Travel, News and Sports
- · You will also find notable improvements throughout the platform including:
- Improvements to Mail, Photos and People apps since Consumer Preview;
- Increased personalization options for the Start screen;
- Improved multi-monitor support;
- Refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store;
- New Family Safety features and enriched privacy and security controls when browsing online, including Do Not Track capabilities being turned on by default with Internet Explorer 10; and
- Enriched support for touch with Internet Explorer 10, including a new capability with Release Preview called “flip ahead” that allows users the option to flip between pages with the swipe of a finger, as well as a touch-friendly Adobe Flash Player now fully integrated into IE10; IE10 is also the first browser to enable Do Not Track “on” by default, giving customers more choice and control over their privacy
One other thing coming this week – beginning June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer program in 131 markets, including the US and Canada, meaning those who can’t wait to get their hands on the newest hardware can still be confident they can get Windows 8 when the time comes. Consumers who buy new eligible Windows 7 PCs can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for estimated retail value of $14.99 USD during the time of the promotion.
The Release Preview is available for download here http://preview.windows.com, and more information can be found in the B8 blog, the press release and this video.