You can touch this – Windows 8 is here

This has gotta be one of the most anticipated computer releases this year – the launch of Microsoft Windows 8.

My very first computing experience was with DOS, and later I was introduced to Windows 3.11 and eventually when I built my first computer, I installed Windows 95 on it. Like many others, I used quite a few variants of Windows over the years – Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Windows NT, Windows 2000, XP, and latest on my work machine – Windows 7.

Windows 8 official launch at Lowyat Plaza

I thought Windows 7 was quite a big leap forward from Vista, but after the launch, it was apparent that Windows 8 is at least as big a jump from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95, or maybe even bigger. It was impressive.

applications on Tiles, with many locally brewed applications too

I arrived a little early to check out some of the machines on display running Windows 8. They come in many form factors, but they share a common feature that was lacking in almost all previous desktop/laptop computers – touch screen.

These PCs include:

• Touch optimized ultrabook and laptops
• Convertibles – switch from tablet to laptop format in seconds, this includes “sliders”
• All-in-Ones – gone are the “desktop and towers”
• Tablets – some with detachable physical keyboards

dozens of devices spotting touch screen running Windows 8

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a re-imagined Windows to the world. Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create content, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise, immersive personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs” -  managing director of Microsoft Malaysia, Ananth Lazarus

Shah and Huai Bin among the attendees checking out Windows 8

The touch interface really does bring an extra dimension to whole computing experience, and unlike previous attempts, this one actually works.

If you think about it, it was actually a child that inherits the best of both parents  – the tablet and desktop/laptop.

and there was an Angry Bird dance group

Finally there’s a device that gives you the power to run all the traditional Windows applications, including some of the crucial business applications that we can’ t live without, and then at a simple swipe of the screen,instantly transform the desktop to a full screen, tablet type of interface – Windows 8 UI-Style.

Most of the Metro application won’t be too unfamiliar if you have  experience in using tablet or smart phones, they are usually touch optimized and cater mostly for content consumption or gaming experience.

Ananth Lazarus, MD of Microsoft Malaysia takes the stage

Microsoft has also been working with local content providers to come up with quite a number of local applications available immediately via their new Windows Store – this includes The Star Online, MYDIN, AirAsia, DiGi and Sunway Lifestyle and more.

Other new features include a new fast and fluid Start screen that allows one-click access to apps and Live Tiles that provide seamless connectivity to multiple social applications including facebook, twitter, and more. Windows 8 also comes with the latest Internet Explorer – version 10.

product demo time, I was quite impressed

The integration of cloud computing via Skydrive too is a pretty cool functionality found on Windows 8. Every account comes with a free 7 Gigabyte space, and with it when you sign onto any Windows 8 machines, it can pull all your customized applications/photos/settings from Skydrive to give you a personalized experience  as you would with your own computer.

participating manufacturers and MD of Microsoft having a photo op

There are already some 30 devices available right now running Windows 8. You can get your hands on them on these roadshows:

I can’t wait to check out one of these machines in details. One of my colleagues has in fact already bought the Sony Vaio Duo 11, so jealous!