BARCELONA, spain —Microsoft on Wednesday let consumers start trying out its upcoming touch-based Windows 8 operating system, which aims to power a new wave of computer tablets and traditional PCs designed to counter Apple’s big gains in the market through its Macs and iPads.
The test “beta” version of the revamped system was introduced at the Mobile World Congress and borrows some of the look of Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 software for Windows 8.
Windows 8 doesn’t have the traditional “Start” menu, and applications are spread across a mosaic of tiles in a design Microsoft calls “Metro” — seen as an attempt by the company to preserve its market share. And executives said it powers up on PCs in 8 seconds, much faster than the previous version.
The tiles, which resemble road signs, can be navigated with a finger swipe on the screen or with a keyboard and mouse.
But those testing out the new operating system won’t be able to try out the finger swiping unless they already have systems enabled for touch use. The system isn’t expected to make its official debut until September or October.
The Associated Press
