There’s a rumor going around, thanks to a post at a Chinese forum, that Microsoft may be seeding early builds of Windows 8 to manufacturers for testing purposes. Windows 8 isn’t expected to officially launch until next year, but a public beta could be available later this year.

Microsoft plans to make Windows 8 compatible with low power ARM-based processors, making it the first full-fledged version of Windows to support ARM architecture. That’s important because a growing number of tablets and other mobile devices use ARM chips instead of the Intel and AMD chips that power most Windows computers. Microsoft is also refining the operating system to make it more touchscreen-friendly than Windows 7.

That’s about all we know for certain at the moment, but WinRumors reports that Windows 8 could feature a 3D accelerated user interface which adjusts depending on how you’re using the OS. It may also feature quicker hibernation and resume features.

via Business Insider and My Digital Life

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4 replies on “Microsoft may be shipping (very) early Windows 8 builds to testers”

  1. Microsoft plans to make Windows 8 that are compatible with low power ARM processors, growing number of tablets and other mobile devices use ARM chips instead of the Intel!

  2. good to know that Microsoft is also refining the operating system to make it more touchscreen-friendly than Windows 7.

  3. It would be nice if the next version of Windows wasn’t so ‘bloated’. Maybe Microsoft should realize not every thing needs Windows and that there is room for other operating systems on smaller slower computers such as tablets and netbooks and such.

  4. Microsoft would be smart to leak out some potential release dates. That way they aren’t bound by them but will give people an idea of when to expect this new touch friendly OS to hit the market. . . maybe I’ll wait for a tablet if they can do it fast enough but I keep hearing well into 2012 if not 2013.

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