Windows 8 Launches Its Developer Preview, Downloads Available Next Week

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Well, we’ve been tracking Windows 8 for some time now, and now the first looks at the newest version are starting to slip out. Microsoft had its big Build conference today, and not at all surprisingly, Windows 8 was the lead-off topic. And better yet, developers will be able to start getting hands on with this one in a matter of days. But what does that mean for the regular PC user?

The word coming out of Microsoft (by way of no less than Steven Sinofsky, who serves as president of the Windows and Windows Live Division), is that Windows 8 represents a substantially different way of doing business than previous versions. The biggest one, as you can see in the screenshot above, is the graphical look, often called “Metro” style, and reportedly incorporates elements of Windows Phone 7, which, looking at the screenshots, makes some sense to suggest. But there’s just as much word that says if you’re already happy with Windows 7, then Windows 8 shouldn’t offer much of a problem as both are built on the same foundation, just with a few extra twists. In addition, the often-maligned but rapidly recovering Internet Explorer will also be in attendance with Internet Explorer 10 coming along for the ride.

Developers, who are no doubt eager to get some hands-on time with this little wonder, will be happy to know that downloads should be made available later this week, which means you can probably look for the torrents to start firing up in earnest in about two weeks or so.

Perhaps the best note about this is the reports that Windows 8 will play nice with a variety of devices, from tablets all the way up to 27 inch HD monitors, meaning that just about any computer is going to be able to handle this with aplomb. This will doubtless prove welcome for a lot of people who’d rather not have to switch trains of thought between a desktop OS and a mobile OS like Apple users do, though it won’t likely get a lot of Apple folks to convert on its own merits.

So what do you guys think of Windows 8 so far? Looking forward to seeing it in your devices? Like the thought of the same OS for laptop, tablet, and desktop? No matter what you think, we want to hear from you, so hit the comments section and tell us what you think!