Leaked Windows 8 Build Shows Virtual Keyboard And More

Tweet

The Windows prove leaky once again as the newest version, so far, of Windows 8, the so-called Build 7989, has leaked onto the web and shown off some interesting new features. What might you be getting in Windows 8? How does a revamped virtual keyboard and SMS capability sound to you?

While a virtual keyboard by itself would be news to pretty much no one, the revamped version will dispense with mouse clicks to operate it, but rather usher in an ear of touch friendly buttons, as well as a split keyboard option, letting you work from one side to the other. Plus, for those of you who love the chat, you’ll also get support for emoticons right out of the gate, and those who could care less will still get a bonus in the form of feedback sounds like those of Windows Phone.

A somewhat more speculative update found in the code allows for what looks like per-feature licensing, meaning you could get a basic version of Windows 8 and then add the upgrades you want separately in what would amount to a cafeteria-style operating system. Moreover, there’s even support for SMS capability as well as geo-location.

We first saw demos of Windows 8 earlier this month, but it’s certainly interesting to see how it’s coming along, especially since this is reportedly set to work with not only tablets, but also laptops and even desktops. I’m not sure how well virtual keyboards would work on laptops and desktops, but on tablets, they’d no doubt be welcome.

But still, this is just a leaked build, so any, all, or none of it could actually make it to the final versions. Either way, it’s looking like a reasonably robust operating system, but will it be of much use to those non-mobile users? What do you guys think about the leaked build? Are you seeing things you like here, or is this an early Windows Vista in the making? Head on down to the comments section and let us know what you think!