Windows 8 is the current release of the
Windows
operating system, produced by
Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and
business
desktops,
laptops,
tablets, and
home theater PCs. Development of Windows 8 started before
the release of its
predecessor in 2009. Its existence was first announced at
CES 2011, and followed by the release of three
pre-release versions from September 2011 to May 2012. The
operating system was
released to manufacturing on 1 August 2012, and was released
for
general availability on 26 October 2012.[3]
Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating
system's platform, primarily focused towards improving its user
experience on mobile devices such as
tablets to rival other
mobile operating systems like
Android and
iOS,[4]
taking advantage of new or emerging technologies like
USB 3.0,
UEFI firmware,
near field communications,
cloud computing and the low-power
ARM architecture, new security features such as malware
filtering, built-in
antivirus capabilities, a new installation process optimized
for digital distribution, and support for secure boot (a UEFI
feature which allows operating systems to be
digitally signed to prevent malware from altering the boot
process), the ability to synchronize certain apps and settings
between multiple devices, along with other changes and
performance improvements. Windows 8 also introduces a new
shell and user interface based on Microsoft's
"Metro" design language, featuring a new
Start screen with a grid of dynamically updating tiles to
represent applications, a new
app platform with an emphasis on
touchscreen input, and the new
Windows Store to obtain and/or purchase applications to run
on the operating system.
Windows 8 was released to mixed reception—although reception
towards its performance improvements, security enhancements, and
its improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the
new user interface of the operating system has been widely
criticized for being confusing and having a steep
learning curve (especially when used with a keyboard and
mouse instead of a touchscreen). Despite these shortcomings, 40
million Windows 8 licenses were sold during its first month of
availability, mostly to OEMs.[5]
Development history
Windows 8 development started before Windows 7 had shipped[6]
in 2009. In late January 2011, at the
Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft announced that
Windows 8 would be adding support for
ARM microprocessors in addition to the
x86
microprocessors from
Intel,
AMD and
VIA Technologies.[7][8]
On 1 June 2011, Microsoft officially unveiled Windows 8's new
user interface as well as additional features at the Taipei
Computex 2011 in
Taipei (Taiwan)
by Mike Angiulo and at the D9 conference in California
(United States) by Julie Larson-Green and Microsoft's Windows
President
Steven Sinofsky.[9][10]
The "Building Windows 8"
blog
launched on 15 August 2011, featuring details surrounding
Windows 8's features and its development process.[11]
A screenshot of Windows 8 Developer Preview running
on a multi-monitor system, showcasing some features
Microsoft unveiled new Windows 8 features and improvements on
the first day of the BUILD conference on 13 September 2011.[12]
Microsoft released Windows 8 Developer Preview (build 8102) the
same day, which included SDKs and developer tools (such as
Visual Studio Express and
Expression Blend) for developing applications for Windows
8's new interface.[13]
According to Microsoft, there were about 535,000 downloads of
the developer preview within the first 12 hours of its release.[14]
Originally set to expire on March 11, 2012, in February 2012 the
Developer Preview's expiry date was changed to January 15, 2013.[15]
Milestone 1, Build 7850, was leaked on April 12, 2011.[16]
It was the first build where the text of a window was written
centered instead of aligned to the left. It was also probably
the first appearance of the Metro-style font, and its wallpaper
had the text shhh... let's not leak our hard work.
However, its detailed build number reveals that the build was
created on September 22, 2010.[17]
Its OS version read as 'Windows 7 Enterprise'.
Milestone 2, Build 7955, was leaked on April 25, 2011. The
traditional
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) was replaced by a new Black
screen, although this was scrapped later.[18]
This build introduced a new Ribbon UI in Windows Explorer. Build
7959, with minor changes but the first 64-bit version, was
released on May 1, 2011.
On June 17, 2011, build 7989 was leaked. It introduced a new
boot screen featuring the same fish as the default Windows 7
Beta wallpaper, which was later scrapped, and the circling dots
as featured in the final. It also had the text Welcome
below them, although this was also scrapped.[19]
The new File Explorer interface with "Ribbon" in
Windows 8
On 29 February 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer
Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250. For the
first time since
Windows 95, the Start button is no longer present on the
taskbar, though the Start screen is still triggered by clicking
the bottom-left corner of the screen and by clicking Start on
the Charm bar.[20]
Windows president Steven Sinofsky said more than 100,000 changes
had been made since the developer version went public.[20]
The day after its release, Windows 8 Consumer Preview had been
downloaded over one million times.[21]
Like the Developer Preview, the Consumer Preview is set to
expire on 15 January 2013.
Many other builds were released until the Japan's Developers
Day conference, when Steven Sinofsky announced that Windows 8
Release Preview (build 8400) would be released during the first
week of June.[22]
On 28 May 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview (Standard Simplified
Chinese x64 edition, not China-specific version, build 8400) was
leaked online on various Chinese and BitTorrent websites.[23]
On 31 May 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview was released to the
public by Microsoft.[24]
Major items in the Release Preview included the addition of
Sports, Travel, and News apps, along with an integrated version
of
Flash Player in Internet Explorer.[25]
Like the Developer Preview and the Consumer Preview, the release
preview is set to expire on January 15, 2013.
On 1 August 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200[26])
was
released to manufacturing with the build number
6.2.9200.16384 .[27]
Microsoft planned to hold a launch event on 25 October 2012[28]
and release Windows 8 for
general availability on the next day.[29]
However, only a day after its release to manufacturing, a copy
of the final version of Windows 8 Enterprise N (produced for
European markets)
leaked to the web, and several days later there were Pro and
Enterprise leaks both IA-32 and x64.[30][31]
On August 15, 2012, Windows 8 was made available to download for
MSDN and
TechNet subscribers.[32]
Windows 8 was made available to Software Assurance customers on
16 August 2012.[33]
Windows 8 was made available for students with a
DreamSpark Premium subscription on 22 August 2012, earlier
than advertised.[34]
Relatively few changes were made from the Release Preview to
the final version; these included updated versions of its
pre-loaded apps, the renaming of Windows Explorer to File
Explorer, the replacement of the Aero Glass theme from Windows
Vista and 7 with a new flat and solid-colored theme, and the
addition of new background options for the Start screen, lock
screen, and desktop.[35]
Prior its to general availability on 26 October 2012, updates
were released for some of Windows 8's bundled apps, and a
"General Availability Cumulative Update" (which included fixes
to improve performance, compatibility, and battery life) was
released on
Tuesday, 9 October 2012. Microsoft indicated that due to
improvements to its testing infrastructure, general improvements
of this nature will be released more frequently through Windows
Update instead of being relegated to OEMs and
service packs only.[36][37]
Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around
Windows 8 and its
Surface tablet in October 2012, starting with its first
television advertisement premiering on 14 October 2012.[4]
Microsoft's advertising budget for the operating system is
US$1.5–1.8 billion, making Windows 8 the industry's biggest
product launch in history.[38]
New
and changed features
New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster
startup through
UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which
hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the
subsequent boot),[39]
a new lock screen with a clock and notifications,[40]
and the ability for enterprise users to create
live USB versions of Windows (known as
Windows To Go).[41][42]
Windows 8 also adds native support for
USB 3.0 devices, which allow for faster data transfers and
improved power management with compatible devices,[43][44]
along with support for
near field communication to facilitate sharing and
communication between devices.[45]
Windows Explorer, which has been renamed File Explorer, now
includes a
ribbon in place of the command bar. File operation dialog
boxes have been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the
ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability
to manage conflicts when copying files.[46]
A new "File History" function allows incremental revisions of
files to be backed up to and restored from a secondary storage
device,[47]
while Storage Spaces allows users to combine different sized
hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or
no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.[48]
Task Manager has also been redesigned, including a new
processes tab with the option to display fewer or more details
of running applications and background processes, a heat map
using different colors indicating the level of resource usage,
network and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g.
applications, background processes and Windows processes),
friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users
to search the web to find information about obscure processes.[49]
Additionally, the
Blue Screen of Death has been updated with a simpler and
modern design with less technical information displayed.[50][51]
Safety
and security
Additional security features in Windows 8 include two new
authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs
and picture passwords),[52]
the addition of
antivirus capabilities to
Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft's
Security Essentials software)[53]
SmartScreen filtering integrated into the desktop,[54]
and support for the "Secure Boot" functionality on UEFI systems
to protect against malware infecting the boot process.[55]
Parental controls are offered through the integrated
Family Safety software, which allows parents to monitor and
control their children's activities on a device with activity
reports and safety controls.[56][57][58]
Windows 8 also provides integrated
system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset"
functions.[59]
Windows 8's first security patches would be released on 13
November 2012; it would contain three critical (most severe as
per Microsoft) fixes.[60]
Online services and functionality
Windows 8 provides heavier integration with online services
from Microsoft and others. A user can now log in to Windows with
a
Microsoft account, formally known as a
Windows Live ID, which can be used to access services and
synchronize applications and settings between devices.
Windows 8 also ships with a client app for Microsoft's
SkyDrive
cloud storage service, which also allows apps to save files
directly to SkyDrive. A SkyDrive client for the desktop and
File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be
downloaded separately.[61]
Bundled multimedia apps are provided under the Xbox brand,
including
Xbox Music,
Xbox Video, and the
Xbox SmartGlass companion for use with an
Xbox 360 console. Games can integrate into an
Xbox Live hub app, which also allows users to view their
profile and
gamerscore.[62]
Other bundled apps provide the ability to link to services such
as
Flickr and
Facebook.[63]
Internet Explorer 10 is included as both a desktop program
and a touch-optimized app, and includes increased support for
HTML5,
CSS3, and
hardware acceleration. The Internet Explorer app does not
support plugins or
ActiveX components, but includes a version of
Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low power
usage, but works only on sites included on a
whitelist. The desktop version does not contain these
limitations.[64]
Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for
mobile broadband; the operating system can now detect the
insertion of a
SIM card and automatically configure connection settings
(including
APNs and carrier branding), track and reduce bandwidth use
on
metered networks. Windows 8 also adds an integrated
airplane mode setting to globally disable all wireless
connectivity as well. Carriers can also offer account management
systems through Windows Store apps, which can be automatically
installed as a part of the connection process and offer usage
statistics on their respective tile.[65]
Windows Store and Apps
A music app for Windows 8, shown snapped like a
sidebar to the Windows Desktop
Windows 8 introduces a new style of application,
Windows Store apps; according to Microsoft developer
Jensen Harris, these apps are to be optimized for
touchscreen environments and have smaller scope in relation
to desktop applications. Apps can run either in a full-screen
mode, or be docked directly to the side of a screen.[66]
They can provide notifications and a "live tile" on the Start
screen for dynamic content. Apps can use "contracts"; a
collection of
hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate
with other apps, such as search and sharing.[66]
Apps can also provide integration with other services; for
example, the People app can connect to a variety of different
social networks and services (such as
Facebook), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from
services such as Facebook and
Flickr.[63]
Windows Store apps run within a new set of
APIs known as the
Windows Runtime, which supports
programming languages such as
C,
C++,
VB.NET,
C#, along with
HTML5
and
JavaScript.[66]
Depending on the language used, apps written for Windows Runtime
can be cross-compatible with both Intel and
ARM versions of Windows.[67]
To ensure stability and security, apps run within a
sandboxed environment, and require permissions to access
certain functionality, such as accessing the Internet or a
camera.[68]
Retail versions of Windows 8 will only be able to install
these apps through the
Windows Store—a namesake distribution platform which offers
both apps and certified desktop applications.[67][68]
Only the Enterprise version will allow system administrators to
deploy apps from outside the Windows Store.[68][69]
Windows Store apps were originally known as "Metro-style
apps" during the development of Windows 8, referring to the
Metro design language. The term was reportedly phased out in
August 2012; a Microsoft spokesperson denied rumors that the
change was related to a potential
trademark issue, and stated that "Metro" was only a codename
that would be phased out prior to Windows 8's release.[70]
Following these reports, the terms "Modern UI-style apps",[71]
"Windows 8-style apps"[72]
and "Windows Store apps" began to be used by various Microsoft
documents and material to refer to the new apps. In an interview
on September 12, 2012, Soma Somasegar (vice president of
Microsoft's development software division) officially confirmed
that "Windows Store apps" would be the official term for the
apps.[73]
Web browsers
Special exceptions are given to
web browsers classified as being "New experience enabled"
(formerly "Metro-style enabled"), which can provide a special
version to run within the "Metro" shell. Unlike other apps, they
can be coded using
Win32 code instead of WinRT (allowing the reuse of code from
their desktop versions), permanently run in the background, use
multiple background processes, and are distributed with desktop
web browsers rather than through the Windows Store. Despite
these looser restrictions, they can still take advantage of
features typically reserved for Windows Store apps, such as the
use of contracts to link to other apps. However, only the user's
default web browser can be used in this setting.
The developers of both
Chrome and
Firefox both committed to developing versions of their
browsers to run in the app environment; while Chrome's app
simply
backports the existing desktop interface, Firefox's (which
is currently available in development versions) uses a
touch-optimized interface inspired by the
mobile version of Firefox.[74][75][76][77]
Interface and desktop
Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating
system's user interface, many of which are centered towards
improving its experience on
tablet computers and other
touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on
Microsoft's
Metro design language, and features a new tile-based
Start screen similar to that of
Windows Phone, which has replaced the previous
Start menu entirely. The Start screen displays a
customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop
programs, some of which can display constantly updated
information and content through "live tiles".[66]
As a form of multi-tasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a
screen.[66]
A vertical toolbar known as the charms bar (accessed by
swiping from the right edge of a touchscreen, or pointing the
cursor at
hotspots in the right corners of a screen) provides access
to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing,
device management, settings, and a Start button. The traditional
desktop environment for running desktop applications is accessed
via a tile on the new Start screen. The Start button on the
taskbar has been removed in favor of the Start button on the
charms bar and a
hotspot in the lower-left corner of the screen.[78][79]
Swiping from the left edge of a touchscreen or clicking in the
top-left corner of the screen allows one to switch between apps
and the Desktop. Pointing the cursor in the top-left corner of
the screen and moving down reveals a thumbnail list of active
apps.[79]
Aside from the removal of the Start button, the desktop on
Windows 8 is similar to that of
Windows 7, except that the
Aero Glass theme has been replaced by a flatter,
solid-colored design inspired by the Metro interface.[80]
Secure boot
Windows 8 supports a feature of the
UEFI specification known as "Secure boot", which uses a
public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the
operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as
bootkits from infecting the device.[81]
Despite the security benefits of the feature, Microsoft faced
criticism (particularly from
free software supporters) for mandating that devices
receiving its optional certification for Windows 8 have secure
boot enabled by default using a key provided by Microsoft.
Concerns were raised that secure boot could
prevent or hinder the use of alternate operating systems
such as
Linux.
In response to the criticism, Microsoft developer Tony
Mangefeste stated that "At the end of the day, the customer is
in control of their PC. Microsoft’s philosophy is to provide
customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make
decisions themselves."[82][83]
Microsoft's certification requirements eventually revealed
that that UEFI firmware on
x86
systems must allow users to re-configure or turn off secure
boot, but that this must not be possible on
ARM-based systems (Windows
RT). Microsoft faced further criticism for its decision to
restrict Windows RT devices by using this functionality, despite
it being consistent with other
consumer electronics with similar protection measures.[55][84][85]
No mandate is made regarding the installation of third-party
certificates that would enable running alternative software.[86][87][88]
Removed
features
Aside from the removal of the
Start menu, several notable features have been removed in
Windows 8. Support for playing
DVDs
has been removed from
Windows Media Player due to the cost of licensing the
necessary decoders (especially for devices which do not include
optical disc drives at all) and the prevalence of streaming
services such as
Netflix. For the same reasons,
Windows Media Center will no longer be included by default
on Windows 8 as well, but the software (which also includes
support for DVD playback) can be added back through the paid
"Pro Pack" (for the base version of Windows 8, which also
upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro) or "Media Center Pack"
(for Windows 8 Pro) add-ons. Windows 8 will still support
third-party DVD playback software.[89]
File History, the new backup feature of Windows 8 described
above, replaces
Backup and Restore, the former backup app, and
Previous Versions, a component of
Windows Explorer that saves previous versions of changed
files. Backup and Restore is
deprecated but will continue to work on preset schedule on
computers that upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8.[90]:76
Previous Versions no longer protects local files, although it is
still available to access previous versions of shared files
stored on a Windows Server computer.[90]:74
Shadow Copy, the subsystem component based on which these
worked, however, is still available for other software to use.[90]:74
Hardware requirements
PCs
The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are slightly
higher than those of
Windows 7. Notably, Windows 8 now requires that a system's
CPU support certain hardware features, specifically the
PAE,
NX
bit, and
SSE2.
Windows Store apps require a screen resolution of 1024x768 or
higher to run, while a screen resolution of 1366x768 or higher
is required in order to use the snapping functionality for apps.[92]
To receive logo certification, Microsoft requires that an x86
system resume from standby in 2 seconds or less.[93]
Tablets and convertibles
Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for new
tablet and convertible devices designed for Windows 8, and
defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that
combines the PC, display and rechargeable power source with a
mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single
chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where
the attached input devices are hidden or removed leaving the
display as the only input mechanism.[94][95]
Hardware certification requirements for Windows
tablets[96]
|
Graphics Card |
DirectX 10 graphics device with WDDM 1.2 or higher
driver |
|
Storage |
10GB free space, after the out-of-box experience
completes |
| Standard buttons |
'Power', 'Rotation lock', 'Windows Key',
'Volume-up', 'Volume-down' |
|
Screen |
Touch screen supporting a minimum of 5-point
digitizers and resolution of at least 1366x768. The
physical dimensions of the display panel must match the
aspect ratio of the native resolution. The native
resolution of the panel can be greater than 1366
(horizontally) and 768 (vertically). Minimum native
color depth is 32-bits. |
|
Camera |
Minimum 720p |
|
Ambient light sensor |
1–30k lux capable with dynamic range of 5–60K |
|
Accelerometer |
3 axes with data rates at or above 50 Hz |
|
USB 2.0 |
At least one controller and exposed port. |
| Connect |
Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy) |
| Other |
Speaker,
microphone,
magnetometer and
gyroscope.
If a mobile broadband device is integrated into a
tablet or convertible system, then an
assisted GPS radio is required. Devices supporting
near field communication need to have visual marks
to help users locate and use the proximity technology.
The new button combination for Ctrl + Alt + Del is
Windows Key + Power. |
Software compatibility
Windows 8 for
IA-32
and
x64 processors runs most software compatible with previous
versions of Windows, with the same restrictions as Windows 7:
64-bit Windows 8 runs 64-bit and 32-bit software while 32-bit
Windows 8 will be able to run 32-bit and 16-bit software
(although some 16-bit software may require compatibility
settings to be applied, or not work at all).
Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 for systems with
ARM processors, only supports applications included with the
system (such as a special version of
Office 2013), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows
Store apps, to ensure that the system only runs applications
that are optimized for the architecture. Windows RT does not
support running IA-32 or x64 applications.[97]
Windows Store apps can either be cross-compatible between
Windows 8 and Windows RT, or compiled to support a specific
architecture.[98]
Editions
and pricing
Windows 8 is available in four editions; one is simply named
Windows 8 and is intended for mainstream consumers. Windows 8
Pro contains additional features aimed towards
power users and professional environments.[99]
Windows 8 Enterprise contains additional features aimed towards
business environments, and is only available through
volume licensing.[99]
Windows Media Center is not included by default in any
edition of Windows 8, but will still be available for purchase
as an add-on for Windows 8 Pro, or as part of a "Pro Pack"
upgrade for Windows 8 which also includes the Pro upgrade.[100]
Windows RT will only be made available as pre-loaded
software on new ARM-based devices built specifically for the OS.[99]
Users of previous versions of Windows can purchase an upgrade
to Windows 8 Pro online (using a download that can be optionally
burned to a DVD), or through boxed copies at retail on
DVD.
Microsoft is offering these upgrades at a discounted price of
$39.99
USD online, or $69.99 for retail box DVD, from its launch
until 31 January 2013; afterwards the upgrade price will be
$199.[100][101][102]
Additionally, the "Full" and "OEM"
SKUs of Windows (which can be installed on a computer with
no existing operating system) have been replaced by a single
"System Builder" SKU, intended to be used by
original equipment manufacturers and hobbyists building
their own systems.[103][104]
Microsoft also began to offer an upgrade program for those
purchasing new PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home
Premium, Professional, or Ultimate between 2 June 2012, and 31
January 2013—in which users will be able to digitally purchase a
Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $14.99 USD.[105]
The Windows Media Center add-on will be offered for free through
this offer.[100]
Several PC manufacturers have offered
rebates and refunds on Windows 8 upgrades obtained through
the program on select models, such as
Hewlett-Packard (in the U.S. and Canada on select models),
and
Acer (in Europe on selected
Ultrabook models).[106][107]
In November 2012, a complaint was filed with the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, alleging
that Microsoft was deliberately misleading consumers by not
including prominent labels on Windows 8's retail packaging
indicating that it is only an upgrade version that cannot be
installed without an existing version of Windows present (unlike
previous versions, which did contain such markings, and were
sold at retail in both upgrade and full versions).[103]
Logo
On 19 February 2012, Microsoft officially unveiled a new
Windows logo to be adopted on Windows 8. Designed by
Pentagram partner
Paula Scher, the logo was changed to resemble a set of four
window panes. Additionally, the entire logo is now rendered in a
single solid color.[108]
Reception
Reviews
Reviews of the various editions of Windows 8 have been mixed.
The Verge felt that Windows 8's emphasis on touch
computing was a significant aspect of the platform, and that
Windows 8 devices (especially those that combine the traits of
both
laptops and tablets) would "[make the]
iPad
feel immediately out of date", due to the capabilities of the
operating system's hybrid model and increased focus on cloud
services. Some of the included apps in Windows 8 were considered
to be basic and lacking in certain functionality, but the Xbox
apps were praised for their promotion of a multi-platform
entertainment experience. Other improvements and features (such
as File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task Manager)
were also regarded as positive changes.[109]
Additionally, Peter Bright of
Ars Technica felt that while its user interface changes may
overshadow them, Windows 8's improved performance, updated file
manager, new storage functionality, expanded security features,
and updated Task Manager were still notably positive
improvements for the operating system. Bright also felt that
Windows 8's duality towards tablets and traditional PCs was an
"extremely ambitious" aspect of the platform as well, but still
criticized Microsoft for emulating
Apple's model of a closed distribution platform when
implementing the Windows Store.[110]
The interface of Windows 8 has been the subject of mixed
reaction. Peter Bright of Ars Technica felt that the "Edge UI"
system of hot corners and edge swiping "wasn't very obvious" due
to the lack of instructions provided by the operating system on
the functions accessed through the user interface, even by the
video tutorial added on the RTM release (which only instructed
users to point at corners of the screen or swipe from its
sides). Despite this so-called "stumbling
block", Bright felt that Windows 8's interface worked well
in some places, but began to feel incoherent when switching
between the "Metro" and desktop environments, sometimes through
inconsistent means.[110]
Tom Warren of
The Verge felt that the new interface was "as stunning as it
is surprising", contributing to an "incredibly personal"
experience once it is customised by the user. However, at the
same time, Warren felt that the interface had a steep learning
curve, and was awkward to use with a keyboard and mouse.
However, it was noted that while forcing all users to use the
new touch-oriented interface was a risky move for Microsoft as a
whole, it was necessary in order to push development of apps for
the Windows Store.[109]
Several notable video game developers criticized Microsoft
for adopting a similar "walled
garden" app distribution model to other mobile platforms
with the introduction of the Windows Store—since they felt it
conflicted with the traditional view of the
PC as an
open platform, due to the store's closed nature and
certification requirements for compatibility and regulation of
content.
Markus "Notch" Persson specifically refused to accept help
from a Microsoft developer to certify his popular game
Minecraft for Windows 8 compatibility, replying with a
request for the company to "stop trying to ruin the PC as an
open platform."[111]
Gabe Newell (co-founder of
Valve Corporation, who developed the competing software
distribution platform
Steam) described Windows 8 as being a "catastrophe for
everyone in the PC space" due to the closed nature of the
Windows Store.[112]
Rob Pardo from
Activision Blizzard agreed with Gabe Newell by saying: "nice
interview with Gabe Newell - "I think Windows 8 is a catastrophe
for everyone in the PC space* - not awesome for Blizzard
either".[113]
Industry Veteran Casey Muratori had similar concerns.[114]
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes from
ZDNet
wrote: "The biggest problem with Windows 8 is that it wasn't
born out of a need or demand. Its design failures, particularly
with ‘Metro UI’ will likely be its downfall."[115]
Philip Greenspun called Windows 8 a "Christmas gift for
someone you hate."[116]
Market
performance
Microsoft says that 4 million users upgraded to Windows 8
over the weekend after its release,[117][118]
which CNET says was well below Microsoft's internal projections
and have been described inside the company as disappointing.[119]
On 27 November 2012, Microsoft announced that it has sold 40
million licenses of Windows 8 in the first month, surpassing the
pace of Windows 7.[5]
However, according to research firm NPD, sales of devices
running Windows in the United States have declined 21 percent
compared to the same time period last year.[120]