• Windows 8 to get Immersive UI, Native PDF Reader

    Windows 8 to get Immersive UI, Native PDF Reader

    Samir Makwana, Apr 05, 2011 1712 hrs IST

    Metro design language will be implemented and Application packages will have new file format

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Microsoft seems to be giving a design overhaul to its next major operating system Windows 8. Two days ago, we reported about the screenshots of Windows 8 put up by Windows platform hacker Rafael Rivera and Windows IT Pro News Editor, Paul Thurrott. From the initial screenshots, it's fairly clear that Microsoft is experimenting with the implementation of Metro User Interface design language. Now the new screenshots posted at Rivera's WithinWindows Blog show that Microsoft will have a native PDF Reader and several other applications including Internet Explorer with new Immersive UI.

Even though we've kind of settled with Windows 7 Service Pack 1 update, sneak peek to Windows 8 features have started showing up on the interwebs. Rivera has posted new screenshots of Internet Explorer aimed to work in full screen and shows tile based Metro user interface implications. The Internet Explorer is expected to work in full screen and shows browser history in the form of tiles. The Windows 8 UI is termed as Immersive and seems difficult to unlock for performing any checks or changes. This new Immersive UI is aimed at tablets and mobile phones.

Microsoft did have some issues implementing Adobe Reader as a feature in Office 2007 and hence it was offered to download as a separate add-on. Also, we all know how many times Adobe Reader has been targeted for several attacks to spread infection in a PC. To overcome that issue, Microsoft would be adding its own PDF (Portable Document Format) dubbed as Modern Reader in Windows 8.

This native PDF Reader will be part of Microsoft's new application package model codenamed Jupiter and the developers would be able to create Silverlight Apps for Microsoft's Windows App Store. These Native App Packages will have .AppX application extensions and would be exactly like how Apple is offering digital download of Apps and software from its Mac App Store.

Microsoft is easing off the burden of Windows Phone developers to scale their WP Apps with the Windows 8 platform and function seamlessly. The native PDF reader in Windows 8 is currently dubbed as Modern Reader and has Metro UI all over it.

We hear Apple CEO Steve Jobs praising the iOS devices as well as Mac OS X to be magical and phenomenal products. Similarly, Microsoft would be heavily using Immersive and Modern terms for describing the new Metro design language implementation in Windows 8.






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Discussion Board
(10) Comments
ncaissie
,Ottawa, on Apr 05, 2011 08:32 PM
I think MS should make a "Simple User" version of windows for people who can't be trusted to configure windows or have access to the System files. Just like the MAC OS X. They should also make the "Advanced User" version for the techies who love to mess with the system and make it their own. If you are an advanced user you know enough to read reach dialog box while installing software to avoid unwanted toolbars.
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Karan
,Pune, on Apr 06, 2011 08:57 AM
you mean like home basic and ultimate?
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iPhone
,Cupertino, on Apr 07, 2011 03:25 PM
Sounds to me actually as if he's talking about a weird version of Standard vs. Admin accounts. Either way, already implemented.
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S M
,Mumbai, on Apr 06, 2011 11:48 AM
G'bye Acrobat reader. Good riddance too :D lol
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First A. Lastna
,Anytown, USA, on Apr 06, 2011 05:48 PM
There have always been other ways to skin the PDF cat beside that bloated mess from Adobe. Foxit Reader, for example, if Windoze is your OS. Personally I'll take a third-party app over yet another "feature" MS folds into the OS.
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Software Candy
,Burlington, on Apr 06, 2011 05:20 PM
Adobe Reader is much more than a reader nowadays (e.g. it can be used to fill forms, play media, etc.). Will that functionality be implemented in the Windows 8 version of the PDF reader?
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Anonymous
,MLN, on Apr 06, 2011 05:34 PM
NO, just the reader, a very pretty one. For those wo want to fill form, play music, and slice bread, there will still be Acrobat Reader.
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Home boy
,Bangalore, on Apr 06, 2011 05:06 PM
Some free Operating Systems (OS) already have a native PDF Reader. Too late!
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Erik Latranyi
,Williamsport, on Apr 06, 2011 05:22 PM
Yeah, if you are not first, forget it. Apple should have just skipped the front-facing camera on the iPhone because they were not first. Apple should have skipped any cameras on the iPad2 as everyone else already had them. Heck, Apple should have skipped the whole tablet market because that was done before as well. Right, if you are not first, forget it. PS: Please put that on your resume.
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nick
,kl, on Apr 06, 2011 04:23 PM
the simpler the better. i for one, disable all aero effects, aero docks etc... and I still think windows 7 is much bloated
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