Microsoft Launches Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Microsoft today announced the availability of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which is likely the most important Windows Operating System (OS) launch in more than a decade. You can start downloading Windows 8 CP today at preview.windows.com. Microsoft is also allowing you to download the ISO here. The Developer Preview received more than 3 million downloads, but the Consumer Preview should be much larger as this is the first chance the general public gets to try out the new operating system. This launch is very important for Microsoft and PC users in general as Microsoft has been seen as fading from tech supremacy in recent years. Microsoft hopes to change that with Windows 8 as they will be offering both an x86- and ARM-based version of the operating system. This is critical as many tablets and smartphones are using ARM-based processors. Windows 8 uses a completely new interface, borrowed from what Microsoft calls the “Metro” style of the current Windows Phone software and will depend on App developers to make the OS launch a success. If this launch goes over badly it will be a huge blow to desktops and laptops. The final build and official retail release for Windows 8 is expected to happen around October 2012