First Look: Windows 8 Consumer Preview simple and slick

Start from scratch or keep personal files

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License agreement

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Took about an hour (your mileage may vary)

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First set of tiles

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Second set of tiles

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Yes there is a desktop

I know there has been much discussion about the traditional Windows Desktop - here it is in all its glory. It is just a clck away right now and I'm sure at some point we will find a way to eliminate that click. So, don't despair.

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The Store

There are a number of apps in the Store already with more to come before the final Windows 8 is released.

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Simple app install - mobile device model

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Lots of free apps

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Google mail

I was able to connect to my Gmail account with just a few clicks - I was actually surprised by how simple it turned out to be.

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You are here

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Right click to get options

We are loading Windows 8 on a tablet, so we will soon learn what contstitutes a right-click in the touch interface.

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My Google calendar

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Chat

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Bing is ready for Metro

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A nice weather app

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Solitare is here of course

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Music requires an agreement

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And an XBox Live account even though I have not XBox

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Not quite iTunes

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Skydrive

The ability to sync across all your devices using the cloud is going to be one of the features that we will talk about the most. It is the game changer for Microsoft.

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Remote desktop

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Stock market tracking basics

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The video app also requires an XBox Live account

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Better with XBox Live

Again, XBox Live plays an important part in thw way Windows 8 and the video app work. If you have XBox Live you can play the videos that come with your account on any device running Windows 8 and tied to that account. Instant ecosystem.

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Time to buy an XBox 360?

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Change your mindset

For me, and I suspect others, the idea of apps running, or at least stubs running, in the background is going to require a change of thinking while on the desktop. Will these apps slow down gaming? Do I have to clear them out before running Skyrim for example? I'll be testing this.

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Default apps

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Hot spots

Another new feature us old-timers will have to adjust to is the hotspot. To get a menu of settings including the off button, you have to move your mouse over to the bottom right corner.

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Setting choices

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Turn on the administration apps

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Wow - there's a lot to admin

The administration set of tiles is not someting most of us are going to keep on display, but if you have to do some administration tasks it is nice to have all the apps available.

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Under the hood

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Personal settings

This is where most users will do their "administration." The place to go to change backrounds. colors, etc.

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Windows Update

It's just a few hours after the Consumer Preview is available and already there are pataches to install.

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Notifications

Another feature that will require a bit of adjustment is the concept of your PC being connected to the cloud and all that encompases in terms of social media, etc. This screen is going to be important to consumers who worry about privacy.

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Search configuration

Another privacy area - saved searches.

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Devices

This list of devices is not near as intimidating as the Windows 7 list of devices - the thing we will have to investigate is whether it is as powerful.

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A fresh restart is possible

Your PC will be easier to reset now.

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The left hotspot

The left hand hotspot presents easy access to certain apps. The bottom left corner will give you an chance to return to the Metro Interface.

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Desktop search

You can search for apps, files, or settings

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New apps

One key for the success of Windows 8 will be the availability of apps. The Consumer Preview crop of apps is heavy on games. I'd like to see some productivity apps.

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Live tiles

As you can see, many of the tiles in the Metro Interface continue to update even though I am not actively engaged in the activity. I like that idea and I think developers will find interesting ways to take advantage of this part of Metro and Windows 8.

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