Microsoft is aiming to redefine the traditional desktop operating system with the launch of Windows 8, writes MARIE BORAN

MICROSOFT BREWED up a media storm with the recent launch of a tablet device built on its own hardware, yet the quiet but fierce focus is on what lies beneath the Surface: the new Windows 8 operating system.

With Windows 8 there is a sense that Microsoft is not simply playing catch-up with Apple’s App Store – it is also aiming to redefine the traditional desktop operating system and blur the boundaries between the once distinct smartphone, tablet and notebook user interfaces.

Microsoft knows that for this to succeed developers must be won over, so the consumer will have a healthy choice of apps from launch. Last week’s “deep dive” Windows 8 event in Amsterdam was designed to convince developers of the business case for moving to the new operating system, perhaps finally leaving its complicated and fragmented apps past behind.

At launch Windows 8 will come preloaded with the Windows Store no matter what device it sits on. Those upgrading from Windows 7 on their desktop and notebooks will become potential customers for this new integrated apps ecosystem.

“Microsoft is setting its store up like Apple’s App Store, which I think is a good thing,” says Dublin-based software developer Neil Turner. “The revenue split is the same but you get a slightly better cut after $25,000.”

Turner is referring to the jump in percentage of the app profit that makes it into the developer’s pocket. This will rise from 70 per cent to 80 per cent when the app earnings hit $25,000. For companies such as Rovio, with the hugely popular Angry Birds game series, the move to the Windows Store makes financial sense from this perspective.

“Also, for in-app purchases you can use Microsoft for the transaction or use your own purchase system, which Apple doesn’t allow; some companies will really like that,” observes Turner.

“I think Apple have really set the bar high when it comes to the App Store experience, so Microsoft is simply trying to match or better it. Development is easier and more streamlined than with Windows 7, and the Store on every PC means your app is sitting right in front of the customer, I think everyone sees this as a good thing.”

While there is a concerted effort to build a unified Windows experience from the ground up and straight through to cloud computing integration and an apps ecosystem, the biggest outward difference is the shiny new Metro look.

“Microsoft’s strategy is a challenging one addressing a wide range of markets: OEM partners, game consoles, right through consumer, ‘prosumer’, corporate employees and IT experts,” says Richard Edwards, principal analyst at UK technology consultancy and analyst firm Ovum.

“It’s got a real job trying to juggle all of that; the Windows operating system is only one part of the Microsoft iceberg that is visible above water and, in many ways, this is how it is judged.”

At first glance Windows 8’s Metro interface looks like a lightweight tablet OS, but it is designed to work on both touchscreen devices and the traditional keyboard and mouse combination. It also switches between the Metro appearance and the traditional Windows desktop look.

“The Metro look and feel now goes across tablet, smartphone and desktop, and is similar to the Xbox interface. In terms of visual identity Microsoft is on its way to achieving this uniform aesthetic,” says Edwards.

There is a worry, however, that longtime Windows users will not enjoy the switch to a shiny, tablet-like interface meant for a younger audience who think in terms of apps and lightweight usage.

“On the surface it may look like it’s geared towards the consumer market, but we’re all people and we all want to get things done – we just use different apps,” argues Turner.

“Like any change, I’m sure some people will ask why, or claim that they’ll stick to Windows 7 for the next 10 years, but things move on and I’m excited to see where Windows 8 goes. I don’t think anyone has been this excited about Windows for quite some time.”

Although Edwards agrees that there is excitement around Windows 8, he says that Ovum is recommending, from a corporate point of view, that its customers stick to Windows 7 for now.

“The Metro interface displays information beautifully; text, graphics and video all run neatly beside one another. It will be a good option for a certain kind of user looking for a more portable, on-the-go Windows experience,” he adds, explaining that he sees a market for both W7 and W8 side by side for some time.

The consensus, however, is that Windows 8 is a step forward for Microsoft and was needed to bring it fully into the tablet and smartphone space. “It’s certainly a huge departure from Windows as we know it, but I think it’s needed if Microsoft hopes to capture people’s attention again,” says Turner.

“Something had to be done about Windows and touch screens, so designing it from the ground up to be a touch-first perspective was the best idea.”

For those more reluctant to fully embrace the new operating system, Microsoft has released the clever Windows To Go that is basically an “OS on a stick”.

Windows 8 boots from and runs off a USB stick from a PC or a Mac.

If you’re not ready for the Metro revolution, you simply unplug and reboot your computer as normal.

THROUGH THE WINDOW THE TOP WINDOWS MARKET APPS

Windows 8 is still in pre-release but there are a few good apps that showcase its abilities.

Fruit Ninja

This looks great on a Windows 8 tablet. The “chrome free” screen makes for lots of space and no clutter when you swipe at your apples and oranges. The only problem is that swiping sometimes activates the sides of the tablet, which bring up menus or navigate back to the previous app. Lets hope the final release has fixed this.

Tweetro

This Twitter app is surely designed to showcase the shiny aesthetically pleasing Metro look. Its all sleek, glossy and angular with a large clean space for navigating through tweets and user profiles. An indication, hopefully, of apps to come from Windows Market.

Photos

Microsoft has “baked” cloud storage into the Windows 8 operating system with the inclusion of SkyDrive. The Photos app pulls images from this as well as Facebook, Flickr and other sources to provide the use with a central photo album. This will make for nice integration from mobile phone snaps straight to the desktop.

Cocktail Flow

This app is ostensibly for choosing the kind of liquor and cocktails you want to concoct and drink, but it’s really an exercise in ideal Metro app design. It’s all white space, crisp bright images of exotic cocktails and impressive animations. If every app for Windows 8 looks this good, then Microsoft is on to a winner, assuming all the services such as Skype, Kindle, Dropbox and Facebook come on board.