Microsoft is working on its latest version of PC operating system (OS) with the aim to make it "the very best operating system for hundreds of millions of PCs, new and old", used by well over a billion people globally, the company has revealed.
President of Microsoft’s Windows division Steven Sinofsky wrote on a blog that Windows 8 "reimagines" Windows for the new generation of computing devices.
Sinofsky said that the company expects the beta version of the latest OS to be ready in a few months. He has solicited feedback of users.
Sinofsky wrote: "We’ve been hard at work designing and building Windows 8, and today we want to begin an open dialog with those of you who will be trying out the pre-release version over the coming months."
"We intend to post regularly throughout the development of Windows 8, and to focus on the engineering of the product. Welcome to "Building Windows 8," or as we call it, "B8."
"Together, we will start the unique adventure of bringing a major product to market. We’re genuinely excited to talk about the development of Windows 8 and to engage thoughtfully with the community of passionate end-users, developers, and information professionals."
Sinofsky also said that the comapny is committed to running the software and supporting the hardware that is compatible with over 400 million Windows 7 licenses already sold and all the Windows 7 yet to be sold.
However, he said that the changes that the PC has undergone recently warrants significant changes in the OS as well.
He said that today "computing is much more focused on applications and on people than on the operating system itself or the data."
"These changes in the landscape motivate the most significant changes to Windows, from the chips to the experience."
