PC World - The leaked development version of Windows Blue, an upcoming version of Windows 8 expected later this year, has shed light on even more improvements coming to the operating system. Windows Blue—whose leak prompted Microsoft to admit its existence—won’t be a whole new OS, but rather an update or service pack to Windows 8, packed with incremental updates and features while maintaining the same overall user experience.
PCWorld: For all the controversy surrounding Windows 8, it's a solid OS under the hood. And based on a list of API clues discovered by a former Nokia and Silverlight developer, it should only get better with the Windows Blue update.
blogs.windows.com - Windows 8 was built for a world that blends our work and our personal lives, a world where we expect high quality touch experiences everywhere, and a world that is always on the go and always connected. Windows 8 redefines our market from PCs to mobile computing. We are pleased with the progress we’ve seen with Windows 8 so far. Our OEM partners have delivered tablets, touch laptops, and convertibles that bring the vision of Windows 8 and mobile computing to life. They have introduced some incredible (and unique) new form factors like the Dell XPS 12, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, the Sony VAIO Tap 20, or the recently announced Acer Aspire R7. And today at retail, you can find a powerful mobile touch laptop starting at just over $400.
ZDNet: Windows Blue, from all leaks and tips received, is not a do-over. (If it were, it would take Microsoft a lot longer than nine or ten months to deliver it.) And ignoring customer confusion isn't a virtue; it's stupidity.
This armchair pundit finds it refreshing to hear Windows honchos admit that Windows 8 isn't selling as well as they hoped and that they want to make its successor more comfortable, familiar and usable for the Windows installed base.
I like Metro and prefer 8 to 7, but I think that there is much that can be done to help with users' confusion.
I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to shut down the computer the first time I used it.
Moving a mouse to a particular corner of the screen isn't obvious at all without onscreen help.
Once you learn the basic gestures, I really like the experience.
Not getting my hopes up this time.