Windows 8 Release Preview

Status
Not open for further replies.
StudioTan said:
I think all that's saying is that those are the dimension ranges of the launch devices, not that those are the only sizes allowed.

Personally I would love a 7" WinRT tablet.
Click to expand...


With RT still using a traditional desktop mode, I think 7" is too small. Ultimately I think Windows RT and 8 will have a lot of issues with touch devices because the desktop side of things are still designed for mouse and keyboard as main input.
 
btrboyev said:
With RT still using a traditional desktop mode, I think 7" is too small. Ultimately I think Windows RT and 8 will have a lot of issues with touch devices because the desktop side of things are still designed for mouse and keyboard as main input.
Click to expand...

The only thing I would use desktop mode for on a Windows RT device is file management. For reading and other light tasks that I would want to do on a 7" I can stay in Metro the whole time.

Obviously if we're talking about a Nook tablet reading is going to be a big reason to own it. I do all my reading on my 7" Galaxy Tab but I'd be open to alternatives.
 
Well couldn't it just be based on the Windows RT kernel? The original Nooks were modified from Android and didn't offer anything that was close to stock android.
 
coldfoot said:
You need an open source kernel for that.
Click to expand...

Not when MS owns part of the business.

Microsoft has announced a major new partnership with bookseller Barnes & Noble that will see the company's Nook tablet and eReader business spun off to form a new company. The press release reveals that Microsoft will invest $300 million in the new venture which will give it a 17.6 percent stake in the company.
Click to expand...
 
i'm pretty sure OEMs can create a 7 inch device. Thurott has mentioned it numerous times. That is the min spec.

from withinwindows.com:
http://www.withinwindows.com/2012/01/16/windows-8-secrets-pc-and-device-requirements/

Last month, Microsoft released its hardware requirement documentation for Windows 8 logo certification. This documentation contains Microsoft’s guidelines for designing systems which successfully meet Windows performance, quality, and feature criteria, to assure the optimum Windows 8 computing experience. As you’ve probably noticed, the blogosphere is hung up on one of the Secure Boot on ARM requirements, thanks to a single misguided post about this issue, completely missing the far more interesting information peppered throughout the document.

Here’s some of the more interesting requirements.

5-point digitizers
Microsoft requires that Windows 8 touch PCs use digitizers supporting a minimum of 5 touch points. Yep, you no longer have to hunt down information to answer that question: “Hey, does this thing do multi-touch?”. This requirement ensures your Windows 8 certified PC supports at least a hand of fingers on the screen, for all those gestures and finger-painting activities.

“Hey Windows 8, this is HP TouchSmart… you win.” (Even the newest HP TouchSmart only works with two touch points.)

NFC “touch marks”
Microsoft requires that Windows 8 PCs featuring NFC technology have “touch marks”. This one is a no brainer – A PC, likely a tablet or slate, must have a sticker or similar signage indicating where another NFC capable device can mate with it. I bring this up because we’re not used to NFC being visible in this manner. Today, NFC is available in Google’s new Galaxy Nexus phone for the most part. To invoke it, you presumably start a supportive application and mash it onto a NFC reader, moving it around until it beeps. With a larger form factor, however, knowing where the sensor is physically located becomes crucial to avoid Neanderthal-like clashing of tablets.

Hardware buttons
Microsoft requires that Windows 8 tablet/convertible PCs have 5 hardware buttons. Not three; not six. Five. Those buttons are:
•Power
•Rotation lock
•Windows Key
•Volume up
•Volume down

The Windows Key will be at least 10.5 mm in diameter and be sported in any number of shapes (e.g. circular, rectangular, square).

New button combo for CTRL + ALT + DEL
Microsoft requires that Windows 8 PCs joined to a domain and without keyboards implement new Ctrl+Alt-Del sequence. While the on-screen keyboard remains an option for logging into a domain-joined PC, the quicker (and new) option is to press Windows Key + Power.

Minimum component set for tablets and convertible PCs
Microsoft requires that Windows 8 tablet/convertible PCs feature a minimum set of components. Requiring partners to install a baseline set of components isn’t new, but we can now begin to drool over what future Windows 8 tablets/convertible PCs will look like. Here’s what a bare minimum Windows 8 tablet would look like:
•Storage: At least 10gb free space after the out-of-box experience completes
•System firmware: UEFI
•Networking: WLAN and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy)
•Graphics: Direct3D 10 device w/ WDDM 1.2 driver
•Resolution: 1366×768
•Touch support: At least 5 touch points, must pass all tests
•Camera: 720p
•Ambient Light Sensor: 1-30k lux capable w/ dynamic range of 5-60K
•Magnetometer
•Accelerometer: 3 axes w/ data rates >= 50Hz
•Gyroscope
•USB 2.0: At least one controller and exposed port
•Speakers

No reboot driver upgrades
Microsoft requires that Windows 8 PCs support no-reboot upgrade of graphic card drivers. Finally. While Windows Vista has supported reboot-less upgrades of WDDM drivers, enforcing that requirement was hard with unified driver sets containing both XDDM and WDDM drivers mixed in. With XDDM drivers gone in Windows 8, however, enforcement is easy and should be welcomed by users and gaming enthusiasts with wide open arms.

2 second resume … but not for ARM
Microsoft doesn’t require that Windows 8 ARM PCs resume in two seconds or less … only Intel-compatible Windows 8 PCs have this requirement. And yes, the two seconds max for Standby (S3) to “resume complete” requirement was in place since Windows 7. But I suspect ARM doesn’t come with this requirement because of architecture implementation volatility or, more likely, that Microsoft simply doesn’t yet have enough data in this space. As ARM improves and matures as a Windows host, I suspect we’ll see this requirement pop up in a future release.
Click to expand...
http://www.withinwindows.com/2012/05/29/windows-8-secrets-pc-and-device-requirements-revisited/

Back in January, I picked out some interesting hardware requirements buried in the Microsoft Windows Hardware Certification Requirements documentation. A few weeks ago, the documentation was refreshed and here are some of the interesting additions:

Backlight power optimization

Laptops and devices must now support the adjustment of backlight power consumption based on new cues from Windows 8. These cues will offer your PC more insight as to what you’re doing at the time, allowing hardware manufacturers to optimize the backlight for that specific scenario.

For example, if you’re viewing photos or typing up that 102-page report, the backlight will remain bright and optimize for readability. But when watching a movie or playing video game, tasks with lots of motion, the backlight should dim a bit and instead opt for enhancing pixel colors as a smart power saving alternative. Your PC will literally anticipate what you’ll do next and adapt.

Windows RT devices must not melt your skin

Regardless of system load, Windows RT devices must not exceed a surface temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). And that requirement doesn’t just cover the little air vents either. It really means anywhere on the device, including its screen.

File this under Interesting Real World Problems: Microsoft’s is still working on how they will test for and enforce this requirement. A likely result is that OEMs will be required to submit some sort of proof — like a photo of a laser thermometer in action. But then there’s the question: “How do we ensure the system was under the appropriate amount of load?”

A proper headphone jack is required

It sounds like a no-brainier, but don’t underestimate the financial gains of omitting a headphone jack. Not only is Microsoft requiring that all Windows 8 systems have a headphone jack, they’re requiring a standard-issue 3.5mm jack. This is important because if there’s anything worse than not having a jack, it’s having a non-standard sized jack.

This requirement also layers on top of previous requirements that dictate all audio outputs not making popping sounds when you turn on/off your PC. It’s small but your ears and speakers will thank you.

Why go HighSpeed when you can go SuperSpeed?

Although no ARM-based system-on-a-chips (SOCs) support xHCI SuperSpeed USB 3 today, they could tomorrow. And if that happens, Microsoft will require that Windows RT device makers implement at least one USB 3 port before shipping.

I’ll keep my ear to the ground and update you on developments in this area.
Click to expand...
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/hh748188

I think this nook tablet will probably run Windows Phone though.
 
I've run into a quirk with Win8 on my laptop that I can't seem to clear up. When I plug in my laptop to my tv via HDMI, I have to manually go to playback devices and set the tv as the default device, then switch back to the laptop speakers when I unplug the cable, instead of the laptop automatically going back & forth. I >think< this happened when I first installed Win7 on it like 2 1/2 years ago and I fixed it then but I forgot how :( anyone have any ideas?
 
Does it have an ATI video card? Try getting the latest version of the drivers from the website. Cleared up my very similar hdmi audio issue.
 
cUQZn.png
 
Does the Music app really have no notion of a play count? I am so used to relying on features like that for creating dynamic playlists. Feels like we're taking a big step backwards.

Also, did IE10 make any major improvements between CP and RTM? I have so many issues using it, things like copy/paste don't even work reliably. Facebook and Yelp have issues with pictures, and so on.
 
PG2G said:
Does the Music app really have no notion of a play count? I am so used to relying on features like that for creating dynamic playlists. Feels like we're taking a big step backwards.

Also, did IE10 make any major improvements between CP and RTM? I have so many issues using it, things like copy/paste don't even work reliably. Facebook and Yelp have issues with pictures, and so on.
Click to expand...
copy paste work in ie10 rtm. They added features like a favorites bar on right click among other things. Much improved from CP.

Why are you still using the CP? At least move to the RP.
 
Lol I spend a good 10 min talking with the ms representive at career fair at Gatech today about my issues with win8 and office 2013.

Probably not the best idea. :(
 
Lmao at the spectre one. I guess nobody should be surprised though. Also we're getting closer to September 14 and still no word on any event or anything? Me wants surface news.
 
I'm liking Windows 8 quite a bit now I have Start8 installed. One thing that's really annoying me though is its rubbish options for personalisation.

For example if I want to choose a dark grey / black colour for the taskbar and window borders, I can do that, but the text and minimize/maximize icons won't change colour - not only that, there's no way to change them. They stay black, so you can't see them. Whose stupid idea was that?
 
PaulLFC said:
I'm liking Windows 8 quite a bit now I have Start8 installed. One thing that's really annoying me though is its rubbish options for personalisation.

For example if I want to choose a dark grey / black colour for the taskbar and window borders, I can do that, but the text and minimize/maximize icons won't change colour - not only that, there's no way to change them. They stay black, so you can't see them. Whose stupid idea was that?
Click to expand...

The OS is chock full of bad ideas. Pretty much shows the level of care they actually put into this thing.
 
chickdigger802 said:
Lol I spend a good 10 min talking with the ms representive at career fair at Gatech today about my issues with win8 and office 2013.

Probably not the best idea. :(
Click to expand...

Eh, might not be as bad as you think. As long as you were saying legitimate and organized issues with it, not just spewing "this shit sux!"
 
PaulLFC said:
I'm liking Windows 8 quite a bit now I have Start8 installed. One thing that's really annoying me though is its rubbish options for personalisation.

For example if I want to choose a dark grey / black colour for the taskbar and window borders, I can do that, but the text and minimize/maximize icons won't change colour - not only that, there's no way to change them. They stay black, so you can't see them. Whose stupid idea was that?
Click to expand...
Yea it's bad but at least you can see them a little bit. It would suck ass if you couldn't see them at all. I wonder if they'll change things like that in updates.

For now just change the color intensity.
 
-Pyromaniac- said:
Lmao at the spectre one. I guess nobody should be surprised though. Also we're getting closer to September 14 and still no word on any event or anything? Me wants surface news.
Click to expand...
There is a surface/windows launch event on the 26th of oct.
 
Windu said:
There is a surface/windows launch event on the 26th of oct.
Click to expand...

If they wait until then to announce the important details its going to bomb... they need to get preorders up a week or two before the actual launch for no other reason to gauge interest.

Pre-ordering for me will be a must.... The closest ms store from me is a 2hr drive (which I am planning to make on that saturday) but I have to know I will get a surface when I go if I am going to make the trek
 
jagowar said:
If they wait until then to announce the important details its going to bomb... they need to get preorders up a week or two before the actual launch for no other reason to gauge interest.

Pre-ordering for me will be a must.... The closest ms store from me is a 2hr drive (which I am planning to make on that saturday) but I have to know I will get a surface when I go if I am going to make the trek
Click to expand...

Online ordering?
 
jagowar said:
If they wait until then to announce the important details its going to bomb... they need to get preorders up a week or two before the actual launch for no other reason to gauge interest.

Pre-ordering for me will be a must.... The closest ms store from me is a 2hr drive (which I am planning to make on that saturday) but I have to know I will get a surface when I go if I am going to make the trek
Click to expand...

Don't like shipping things?
 
JaggedSac said:
Don't like shipping things?
Click to expand...

Don't like buying things based off internet pictures or other people's "reviews".... If I'm spending a few hundred on something I want to hold it in my hands and make my own decision (plus want to comare it against all the other win8 options in person).... also want to compare the 2 covers to see which one I like better (and colors if I go with touch cover)

Was going to be making a day trip of it anyways.... my brother lives there and he is going to be buying my old desktop so was going to bring that to him and go get my new one the same day.
 
jagowar said:
Don't like buying things based off internet pictures or other people's "reviews".... If I'm spending a few hundred on something I want to hold it in my hands and make my own decision (plus want to comare it against all the other win8 options in person).... also want to compare the 2 covers to see which one I like better (and colors if I go with touch cover)
Click to expand...

Gotcha, so you want to pre-order it, and then go to the store to decide if you want to keep your pre-order or cancel it?
 
When does W8 release? I'm building a new PC and am waiting for it to come out. I hear it's next month sometime.

I've never bought an operating system at launch or have even waited for one. I plan to pick it up from Best Buy or something I guess. I want a physical copy. What should I expect? Is there a mad rush like when a new game or console comes out? Can I reserve it? Should I even worry about any of that?
 
Dark Octave said:
When does W8 release? I'm building a new PC and am waiting for it to come out. I hear it's next month sometime.

I've never bought an operating system at launch or have even waited for one. I plan to pick it up from Best Buy or something I guess. I want a physical copy. What should I expect? Is there a mad rush like when a new game or console comes out? Can I reserve it? Should I even worry about any of that?
Click to expand...
27th of oct.
 
Windu said:
There is a surface/windows launch event on the 26th of oct.
Click to expand...
Oct. 26th is the day of Win 8 release, which is also the Surface release date. Obviously MS will need to give pricing details before the product is released. Hopefully the pricing is announced this month.
 
JaggedSac said:
Gotcha, so you want to pre-order it, and then go to the store to decide if you want to keep your pre-order or cancel it?
Click to expand...

Exactly.... I would preorder regardless to reserve mine (kinda expect a madhouse on opening weekend at the ms stores). But I do want the option to compare them myself when I get there and if I end up liking some of the other hardware more can just cancel it.
 
Jzero said:
Yea it's bad but at least you can see them a little bit. It would suck ass if you couldn't see them at all. I wonder if they'll change things like that in updates.

For now just change the color intensity.
Click to expand...
Yeah this is what I've had to do currently, bit disappointed though. I wanted to choose the dark grey/black from Windows 7, but choosing that makes the border text and icons unreadable.
 
Well, the RTM feels a lot nicer than the RP did for me. Still not sure how I feel about the default theme, but I probably need to decide on a color that looks best.
Troll said:
cUQZn.png
Click to expand...
None of these are doing it for me. Hopefully the touchpads on windows 8 laptops aren't total dogshit.

Why is the application bar a swipe from the top?
 
rozay said:
Well, the RTM feels a lot nicer than the RP did for me. Still not sure how I feel about the default theme, but I probably need to decide on a color that looks best.
None of these are doing it for me. Hopefully the touchpads on windows 8 laptops aren't total dogshit.

Why is the application bar a swipe from the top?
Click to expand...

I would think that if they had swipe from the bottom implemented it would happen by accident all the time.
 
don't you need to install some generic synaptics drivers to get those gestures to work?



Steelyuhas said:
Eh, might not be as bad as you think. As long as you were saying legitimate and organized issues with it, not just spewing "this shit sux!"
Click to expand...

lol yeah, talked a lot of about usability issues and what not. They do read up on all that feedback back at redmond. They are thinking of adding color back to office 13 :P
 
rozay said:
Well, the RTM feels a lot nicer than the RP did for me. Still not sure how I feel about the default theme, but I probably need to decide on a color that looks best.
None of these are doing it for me. Hopefully the touchpads on windows 8 laptops aren't total dogshit.

Why is the application bar a swipe from the top?
Click to expand...

What's wrong with those gestures. They mimic what you would do on a touchscreen. Flick down from the top brings up the app menu.
 
brotkasten said:
I thought it closes an app.
Click to expand...

To do that you have to drag from the top all the way to the bottom. A small swipe from the top brings up the menus you get when right-clicking with a mouse.
 
ralexand said:
What's wrong with those gestures. They mimic what you would do on a touchscreen. Flick down from the top brings up the app menu.
Click to expand...
The app menu is on the bottom of the screen though. I guess they had no choice because the mouse buttons are on the bottom on laptop touchpads.

edit: I just tried it in the store app and the menu is on the top of the screen. mind blown LOL (I assumed app menu=the bar that shows up on the start screen with an all apps button)

my bad guys!

edit2:though I don't like the inconsistency, why is it in the top for the store and the bottom for every other app (i've tried so far?)
 
rozay said:
The app menu is on the bottom of the screen though. I guess they had no choice because the mouse buttons are on the bottom on laptop touchpads.

edit: I just tried it in the store app and the menu is on the top of the screen. mind blown LOL (I assumed app menu=the bar that shows up on the start screen with an all apps button)

my bad guys!

edit2:though I don't like the inconsistency, why is it in the top for the store and the bottom for every other app (i've tried so far?)
Click to expand...
the app menu can be top, bottom or both.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Season 8 of Rick and Morty premiered today
2
58
974
MrTroubleMaker replied
US air traffic control still runs on Windows 95 and floppy disks
2
60
362
YCoCg replied
King of the Hill returns 8/4 for a new season
2
64
751
Dr Cowley replied
Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashes after takeoff to London Gatwick
2 3
118
312
Reizo Ryuu replied
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story | Documentary + new 4K UHD release
30
524
Windle Poons replied
Top Bottom