Windows 8: The next Microsoft Windows operating system

[Tyler66]

[insert_fancy_and_possibly_fake_win8_banner_here.png]

NOTICE: I will not be posting any direct download links or leaked links here, I dont want a war claiming piracy. I am respecting the rules as much as possible. Pictures and some informational links will be minimal because they dont do any harm whatsoever.

Windows 8 will be the new successor of Windows 7. How much is there to say?
Currently it is unknown if the name "Windows 8" is the codename for the new operating system or will be the commercial/market name.
"We have left escaped the beta labs!":
6.2.7996.0.winmain.110429-1810 (Build 7996) MILESTONE 2 [NOT CONFIRMED]
6.2.7955.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110228-1930 (Build 7955) MILESTONE 2 _{Possible Windows 7 2008 RC Server build?}
6.1.7850.0.winmain_win8m1.100922-1508 (Build 7850) MILESTONE 1

Don't expect as many 'released' builds like Windows 98 had.
Official Wallpapers:

Milestone 3 Wallpaper 2,560px × 1,600px (Resized image to prevent pagestretch) Full Image


Milestone 2 wallpaper 600px × 375px


Milestone 1 installation background 1,024px × 768px (Resized image to prevent pagestretch) Full Image  Uploaded by me c:


Milestone 1 wallpaper 800px × 500px (Bigger resolution might be available.)


Informational links:
A short paragraph about Windows 8 on "History of Microsoft Windows" on Wikipedia
Windows 8 Beta blog - _{Good amounts of information about Windows 8 such as current builds, leaked screenshots, and discovered hidden features.}

Pictures of new features in Windows 8:

Installation options in build 7971 (Windows 7 to Windows 8 upgrade):


Internet Explorer 10 UI:


Automatic aero colorization:


New ribbon UI & drag and drop:


New logon screen:


New included taskbar:


Discuss.

[Ad Bot]

[Legodude77]

When does it come out?

[Tyler66]

When does it come out?

Its expected late 2012.

[Coolio]

I like how the last images says "April 1st"

[e-maxx]

Its expected late 2012.

so it'll never come out  

[Blastdown]

seriously
they are making another one that fast

[Tyler66]

seriously
they are making another one that fast

On average, Microsoft makes the next Windows every 3 years.

But if this is too quick, take a look at Windows 2000/ME and Windows XP. Less than a year release.

[raegirl1]

Soon to be released: Windows 9,000,000; THE BEST forgetIN' COMPUTER EVER

[Tyler66]

Uploaded Milestone 1 installation background.

[Daenth]

I really hope you can disable that tools bit on the top.

[Dr.Block]

-snip-
I really hope you can disable that tools bit on the top.

loving same. I hate that they implemented that kind of stuff in word 2007.

Also Ie 10 looks incredibly painful to use.

[Blastdown]

As long as animated GIFs work in the Photo Viewer, I have no complaints.

[Captain Crazy]

I don't see why they don't just keep updating Windows 7. Probably more money.

[Tyler66]

I don't see why they don't just keep updating Windows 7. Probably more money.

There is a lifecycle policy.

[Tyler66]

Bump