OS
The Launch of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS
Today, Wednesday, October 19, 2011, the Android Ice Cream Sandwich Os (Android 4.0) was launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone in Hong Kong. The new operating system is very different from its predecessors, with many new functions and updates.
What’s New
Android Beam – The first new mention is the addition of the Android Beam application. This software allows users to “Bump” (yeah I said it) to transfer maps, photos, videos, and other content.
Gmail and Google Calendar – Have had completely cool new looks, with full integration into the new operating system. Continue reading
Microsoft Officially Reveals Windows 8
REDMOND, Wash. – June 1, 2011 – At the D9 Conference, Microsoft officially unveiled their new operating system, internally named “Windows 8” for the first time. The operating system leans heavily on the Windows Phone User Interface, with a tile-based Start screen, optimized for touch screen users. Don’t worry though, Microsoft says that the operating system still works “equally well” for users using the mouse and keyboard.
Windows 8 looks like a natural progression for Microsoft, as the company tries to compete with the popular touch screen devices, like Apple’s iPad line and its iOS software. The operating system is not complete, but the current prediction is that it will launch in fall of 2012.
The video from YouTube below shows off a few of the basic elements of the new user interface.
Some of the key features included will be:
- Fully touch-optimized browsing, as Windows 8 will come with Internet Explorer 10.
- Web Applications built in HTML5 that will work great with the full power of the PC.
- Fast launching apps from a tile-based Start screen, which will replace the Windows Start menu, which will include live application tiles.
- Possibly the new Protogon file system that may replace the current NTFS file system.
- A new “Hybrid Boot” option that uses “advanced hibernation functionality” on shutdown to allow for faster startup times.
- The swipe up login screen.
- Allegedly, the OS will also come with its own PDF Reader.
Another key feature, if you can afford the Windows 8 Enterprise edition is the ‘Portable Workspace’. This great feature will allow you to run Windows 8 from a USB storage device.
So be prepared! With tablets taking over the world and everyone attached to their cell phones doing anything but calling someone, it is only natural that the Windows Platform would adapt as well. The live applications, touch screen functionality, and HTML5 Web Apps will enable Windows 8 to brings laptops and PCs up to speed with their highly portable cousins, the tablets & smartphones.
