Microsoft Releases Windows 8 Developer Preview

New submitter Tonyd0311 writes "Microsoft has just released the Windows 8 Developer Preview in both x86 and x64 formats. The download includes an SDK for Metro-style apps, and 28 example apps. It also has 'developer preview' versions of Expression Blend 5 and Visual Studio 11 Express."

Windows 8

[North Korea]

I tested it earlier today and I think it looks great. The boot time is insanely fast, the metro UI is better than I thought and you can still easily change to the normal Windows shell. On top of that developers can target both Windows PC and the upcoming Windows tablet markets with their apps. Overall I got a very good impression of Windows 8.

Re:Time-out?

[shutdown -p now]

It will expire on 3/11/2012. So 6 months, as usual for Windows pre-releases.

Walled garden

[Adrian Lopez]

Too bad software made for Windows 8's default "Metro" interface will only be available through Microsoft's App Store [geekwire.com]. Win32 programs will still be available from other sources, but Metro apps will not.