Images have surfaced from a pre-beta version of what will become Windows 8. These images have reveal that the operating system will make use of the ribbon interface to replace traditional pull-down menus and toolbars.
The ribbon interface was first introduced with Office 2007, and was praised by some users while it was despised by others.
Microsoft has expanded the use of the ribbon interface, with programs like MSPaint and WordPad in Windows 7. The ribbon interface that was shown in the leaked pre-beta Windows 8 screen shots look half-finished and could be an indicator that the feature is still controversial within Microsoft and has not been finalized.
Besides just the ribbon interface a new welcome screen in Windows 8 was shown, which is based on the lock screen in Windows Phone 7. It apparently displays the date and time and offers a changeable background image. It also features full audio controls so users are able to play music while there screen is
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Of course the screen shots that have appeared on the internet of Windows 8 show the operating system is still at a very early stage in its development, so its look, feel, and features are likely still being debated. So it must be taken into account that the finished product will have a smoother look. Microsoft hasn’t been very forthcoming about details pertaining to Windows 8 including any clues as to when it will be launched. But a blog post on the Microsoft’s Dutch Web site appears to have spilled the beans last October. A post stated that Windows 8 was about two years away, which would put the release of the new operating system toward the end of 2012.
-TwisT
