Windows 8: Release Preview available for download

Microsoft has made downloads of their Windows 8 Release Preview available, with this version succeeding the Consumer Preview.

Microsoft has taken a new step in the development of their Windows 8 operating system. This is a new test version of the OS available for download – with the full release to be made available in the autumn (release of the final version).

Like the Consumer Preview version published last February, this Release Preview is aimed at "experienced PC users". It takes into account testers comments to provide improvements over the previous version.

Via their various blogs, Microsoft is already talking about new features in the Release Preview including more customisation options for the Start Screen, an improvement to multi-screen support, and simplified parental control functions.

Microsoft has today also pointed out optimisations that can be found, and applications that can be downloaded from the Windows Store. New apps provided by Microsoft and their partners are also present like News (which resembles FlipBoard), and improvements to Mail and Photos.

The developers have also confirmed what had already been leaked, which is that Internet Explorer 10 will be a browser without plug-in’s in the Metro environment, although it will benefit from the integration of Adobe Flash Player. In the standard Desktop version, plug-in’s will be possible.

This integration has been done in a way to preserve energy use (for laptop’s batteries) while meeting security standards. Certain Flash Player functions like video playing are handled, although not all files. Microsoft has published a list of sites that are allowed to use Flash on Windows 8 though.

Still on IE10, we should point out that the Do Not Track functions (against Web tracking) is activated by default. This default activation is a first for a browser.

  

     

Microsoft has updated their Windows site with the Windows 8 Release Preview, along with an FAQ.


Download Windows 8 Release Preview:

• Installation assistant
• ISO images