Microsoft has just released Windows 8 beta version to the public which has been getting mixed reviews. Microsoft is also reported to release their own Windows 8 tablet which would rival Apple's iPad. Is this the latest effort of Microsoft to redeem its place in the technological market?

Windows 8 Beta is currently out in the market and it has been receiving mixed reviews regarding its features and physical design. There are three things that Microsoft focuses on: touch, graphic performance, and resolution. Microsoft has disclosed that there are already millions of people who are utilizing the Windows beta version in their laptops and touch devices - a considerable feat for Microsoft since the official version is expected to be out in the market by Autumn.

Windows 8 Design

There is a big difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 especially when it comes to design. One noticeable change is the lack of the "Start Menu" which is a standard especially for people who have been Windows users ever since. Aside from the start menu, the control panel tile is also missing which can be a little confusing for some people. Windows 8 is now sporting a new style called "Metro" style (Metro Apps) which incorporates a tile-like design which showcases different applications that are regularly used.

The main problem with the design is not the design itself but the adjustment that comes with the new design. As mentioned, many people are already comfortable with the usual design of Windows with small tweaks every now and then. Now that Microsoft has decided to completely change the design, the adjustment process is a very difficult thing to thing to do. David Johnson, an analyst from Forrester Research shared his experience with Windows 8 stating ""The thing that really infuriates me is that it seems like Metro apps, and apps running in the normal desktop don't have any knowledge of each other. There's no easy way to navigate between them, and I'm not quite sure why that is."

Compatible Laptop with Windows 8

One of the three points of Windows 8 is touch and most laptops in the market do not have multitouch touchpads which could utilize this new feature from Windows 8. In order for users to fully maximize the specifications of Windows 8, they have to find compatible latops that would enable them to access these features which in reality is very hard to do. Aside from multitouch touchpads, graphic resolution is also a problem because users can only appreciate the graphics of Windows 8 when installed with laptops that also have high resolution.

This is just a brief review of the Windows 8 beta version from Microsoft. Microsoft has announced that there would be additional improvements to be done before officially releasing it in the market. These improvements would be beneficial when determining if the official release of Windows 8 in the market is a success or not.