Windows 8 build 8172 Screenshots

Sometime in 2012, Microsoft is expected to announce its next major version of Windows for the client platform. It has the working name "Windows 8", and was previewed to developers at the BUILD Conference, this September. A member of Chinese tech site PCbeta community got to play with a newer build of Windows, build 8172. Screenshots of its most common user interface elements, such as desktop, Windows Explorer, PC Settings (control panel), etc., were posted. Engadget notes that these screenshots don't reveal much else from the Windows Developer Preview shown at the BUILD Conference.

The first screenshot above reveals the Start screen featuring Metro UI design elements (which replaces the Start Menu), the second reveals PC Settings screen, which serves the purpose of the Windows Control Panel, and the next two screenshots reveal the Windows Explorer user interface with its "ribbon" element collapse and expanded.

The next screenshot (above), reveals the new file transfer dialog, which provides a little more information than just a progress bar, an animation, and a few numbers. The progress bar embeds a graph that reports transfer speeds in real time. Next up, is the new Task Manager, which gives greater control over running tasks and processes; and the final screen reveals the new sidebar, which makes the taskbar optional. In all, Microsoft plans some major UI changes, while retaining compatibility with many of the elements found in Windows 7, to ease the transition. The window titlebars themselves look identical in function to the ones Windows 7 gives you, but that there are some aesthetic changes. Basically every rounded-edge is sharpened out. The PCbeta member who leaked these screenshots confirmed that build 8172 is still pre-beta.

Sources: PCbeta, Engadget

Windows 8 'Irrelevant' For PC Users

Well, it looks like the Windows 8 flagship feature, the Metro interface, isn't going down too well with PC users, according to leading market research firm International Data Corp. On top of that, there aren't really any killer improvements in the operating system that make shelling out for a new version compelling. The Metro interface, while suited to a smartphone or tablet, really doesn't do anything for a desktop PC, because it's operation is very restrictive compared to the standard desktop that's been around for over 15 years on Windows and is now a very refined and sophisticated user interface. Also, the fact that many organizations have only recently migrated to Windows 7 and are not looking to spend money in the current economic climate and go through the pains of another upgrade cycle again isn't helping. The poor economy looks like it will hamper sales of Windows 8 on its target devices, tablets, too. Finally, IDC said: "(T)here will be intense scrutiny on Microsoft’s ability to deliver a successful tablet experience aboard both x86-based tablets and on devices running ARM processors. This is a tall order for Microsoft, and while the x86 tablet strategy makes sense as a transitional solution for today’s PC users, it will be the ARM-based devices that need to shine and clear a high bar already set by Apple."

Sources: xbit labs, zdnet