Windows 8 Beta: Hands-on with Microsoft's tablet-friendly OS
23.05.12
Windows 8's predecessor could be summarized in six words: Windows 7 is Vista done right.
Windows 8 is a much harder sell for reasons intrinsic to Microsoft itself, its hardware partners, and the whims of consumers.
First, when Windows 8 launches it will be the most ambitious operating system ever, with a workflow that's easy once you learn it, but not necessarily obvious at first blush. Second, more of your Windows 8 experience will be dependent on your hardware than ever before, because it will work on both actual PCs--i.e., desktops and laptops--and tablets .
Last, and this is the one that won't be resolved until Windows 8 starts shipping to consumers in the second half of this year, there's no strong evidence that Windows 8 is what consumers want next. Do people want tablets that aren't made by Apple? Is the tablet more like a larger smartphone, or a thinner laptop? Is there interest in one operating system that offers both casual touch and robust power modes?
Source: CNET (blog)