Windows 8: Pictures of the tablet interface and AppX released

Leaks continue to surface about Windows 8. The first pictures of the tablet interface have started to appear, displaying a PDF reader, Internet Explorer and Metro mode integrated applications.

Paul Thurrott and Rafael Rivera have decided to present what they have learnt about the Windows 8 operating system to be released in 2012, or early 2013 to the general public. These leaks should be taken with a grain of salt though, as nothing has yet been written in stone.

After having highlighted that the Ribbon interface will be integrated into Windows Explorer, and the publication of a connection screen, our two sources of information have now taken particular interest in Windows 8 tablet PC. It shouldn’t be forgotten that the only information that Microsoft has officially confirmed is that Windows 8 will be compatible with the ARM architecture.

Rumours currently have it that two interfaces will be present for Windows 8. One of these will be classic and non-tactile for desktop computers, although nevertheless entirely 3D and dynamic to adapt to the users working habits, while the other will be aimed at tablet PC’s. The Metro style (the same as Windows Phone) has also been mentioned.

This interface, qualified as immersive has been provided to Microsoft’s workers, with this interface bringing Windows Phone 7’s square system with it. It also seems that applications using the new AppX file format content have appeared (.appx), with it being rumoured that Windows Phone 7 developers will have this option available to them to encapsulate their autonomous applications (.appx) which can then be offered via a Windows 8 app store.

Paul Thurrott and Rafael Rivera have also put the first screen captures online of this immersive interface. A version of Internet Explorer using squares similar to that present in Windows Phone 7 has also been seen, with the squares representing Internet Explorer’s browsing history, the systems colours and tabs. This version of Internet Explorer uses the same finishing as IE9 and will only work in full screen mode. At this time, it hasn’t been implemented as an AppX application.

Other screen captures show the PDF reader integrated in the OS, and this time it is an AppX application. Relatively basic, it is capable of zooming and has a space to the side of the browser to navigate between pages. To the top left, a button allows you to move back, with the application also supporting side by side viewing.

In Windows 8, the AppX applications should work in a sandbox named LowBox. Visual Studio 2012 will also come with the possibility of creating applications in C#, C++ and Visual Basic.