Metro apps
Windows 7 came with far fewer pre-installed applications than Vista. Messenger, Movie Maker, Mail and more were stripped out and made available as a free download from Microsoft's website.
Windows 8's Metro UI is designed for touchscreens
Windows 8 eschews this concept and there are more apps than ever. As you'd expect, they're designed to match the new Metro interface and to be controlled by touch, rather than a keyboard and mouse.
Store
The first app you notice, right at the top-left corner is the new Store.
This is where you'll browse and buy new apps, just as you would on a smartphone. There are various categories and you can pinch to zoom out to scroll quickly through the categories, zooming out again when you see something you like. Tap on a particular app and a description, screenshots and user reviews will appear.
Currently, the choice of apps is very limited. You won't find Amazon or eBay apps in the Shopping section, nor Twitter or Facebook in the Social category. Expect numbers to grow quickly once Windows 8 launches later in 2012, though.
See also: Top 10 Windows 8 apps: so far
Maps
Another completely new app, Maps uses Microsoft's Bing Maps service to provide search and directions across the world. The interface isn't dissimilar from the Bing Maps website (www.bing.com/maps) but the entire screen is used for the map. You can scroll around with your finger and pinch to zoom in and out.
When you tap and hold the screen, top and bottom bars slide into view and you can set the map to your current location, switch from Road to Aerial (satellite) views and enter a location or business to search for.
NEXT PAGE: More Metro apps
Comments
Nabin said: Sorry to saying that Windows 8 is a flop show Windows 7 is the best version of microsoft
jake james said: used windows 8 i found it amazing it was quick for my tablet and my pc i will be one of the first out side the microsoft to store to get this lol
Anon said: Windows 8 is terrible and clunky Im sticking with Windows 7 and my keyboard and mouse