The Windows 8 Consumer Preview Review

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is released for a while.

I just installed it on my old Acer TM3274 which was previous installed Windows 7.

Today I'll introduce you some of noticable functions which I feel special.  

Start

The start now is a very Big one.  And for those with big icon and background color these are the new UI called Metro UI.

Not only display the icon but also show some information based on the apps.

As of the others, these are the traditional program which will go back to desktop and run on that screen. And you can arrange the icons the way you like, and it will automatically generate a gap to distinguish the groups.

Store

Just like the other apps store, I think there will be more and more apps on this store.

Xbox Live games

This should be able to connect to your xbox live account, but I think mine has some problem with it.

Just display an error code to me. And this is just a consumer preview, isn't it?

Maps

With full screen map, this is really convenient and you can see a lot of things. I think no need to have a high resolution screen or bigger panel after the Windows 8.

Internet Explorer

This is the Metro UI IE, the traditional IE still can be found on the desktop. Note that the URL is below instead on the top now.

Press the pin, and you'll see there is a Pin to Start option here.

After you pinned it, it will be displayed under Pinned.

Desktop

And the first thing I was very confusing is how do I switch my program? Alt+Tab is a good idea. But what about the touch tablet?  The answer is in the bottom right corner. Try to move your mouse (or finger I guess) to the bottom right. And you'll see the Search, Share, Start (This is the way you go back), Device and Setting.

Setting, More PC Settings

There was a picture password, which you can have 3 points in sequence as your password. I think this is very convenient for those who use the panel.

But after I switched to live messenger account, the option is no longer exist now.

Conclusion

According to these improvements, I think Microsoft finally done something right.

With Metro UI, and full screen apps, I think people will really attracted by  Windows 8.

Especially those who don't have any tablet yet and familiar with Windows.