As the world today goes mobile, so are people living in it also seriously going mobile. Not again do people have to wait until they get to their offices before getting jobs done. Reports are now written on the go, queries and replies are delivered virtually. In fact, it is becoming totally absurd to live in this hyper connected world clutching to the traditional office rules.
Yet, with the launch of the new Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows phone 8 operating systems in Nigeria, Monday, Microsoft may have made work a little easier and traditional face to face office interface, a little more unattractive.
The operating system actually, is a step up from the windows 7 which the software giant launched two years ago. But it is also a world away, in terms of fluidity and current technology trends. The OS according to Microsoft was launched to enhance people’s work flexibility.
Introducing the product to Nigerians Monday, at the Open Door event held at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Microsoft Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Emmanuel Onyeje said, that the OS presents a beautiful new user interface,UI, a wide range of apps with the opening of the Windows Store, available on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world. Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.
“We are recommending this OS due to its fluidity, beauty and fast for users. This gives us the opportunity to enable people connect to their businesses, associates and loved ones”.
For him users should switch from windows 7 to 8 because Windows 8 is a better platform, has faster boot time, longer battery life better performance, secure and has great productivity tools, making Skype calls more like the normal voice call without the usual hitches and screeches.
It encourages fast wallet packages with NFC experience. All these are in addition to the over 120,000 windows phone apps contained in the new OS.
At retail, Windows 8 will be available in two versions, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for the business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.
Launched at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices. Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
Microsoft also clarified that in addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Through the end of January, 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $39.99 (U.S.).
And eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) with the Windows Upgrade Offer.
Targeted at IT professionals, developer and partners, Microsoft’s Open Door events serve to address the demand for more spaces in which African technology professionals are able to experience the latest-generation technologies first-hand, exchange ideas, build skills, and network with their local IT community and Microsoft technology experts.
Finished products from the windows also bear testimony of its fluidity. For instance, One last radical change for the Windows 8 bears a radical change on the lock screen of any windows 8 PC. A colorful design with mountains and Seattle’s space needle will greet you every time you start a Windows 8 PC, even though the user could eventually customize the picture as well. Microsoft has opted to provide time, date, calendar entries, network status, and battery levels as default, but the user can display up to seven lock screen apps that will provide quick status and notifications when a screen is locked. This is particularly useful if the user wants to glance at a mobile device to see how many calendar appointments he has during the day or the amount of emails in his inbox.
Source:Vanguard
April 17, 2012, 10:55:40 AM