Leading software giant Microsoft released its next operating system, Windows 8 for consumer preview today.

You can download test version of Windows 8 from preview.windows.com. The downloadable test version will only work on laptops and PCs running traditional Intel x86 chips. According to Microsoft, that means at least a 1GHz (or faster) processor, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB or hard drive space, and a Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device.

Windows 8 doesn’t have the traditional “Start” menu and applications are spread across a mosaic of tiles in a design Microsoft calls “Metro”.

Microsoft didn’t offer a set timeline for the final release of Windows 8, though it’s expected to land something this fall.

We have seen Windows 8 demos on June and recent Microsoft Build Conference. Microsoft projected Windows 8 OS as strong tablet focus OS. Instead of the traditional folder icons of previous Windows desktop interfaces, Windows 8 features a tile-based UI that resembles Windows Phone 7. It is more close to tablet experience.

However, the projections Gartner released on Thursday have different view. According to Gartner’s research note, Windows 8′s release schedule will blunt its impact. “The late arrival might limit its appeal, especially to consumers, as Apple and Android will be more entrenched by then,” the firm stated.

According to the latest projections from Gartner, Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android will lead tablet market through 2015 and Microsoft Windows 8 will place a distant third in worldwide tablet sales

According to this report by 2015 Apple iOS will be leading tablet OS with 148.7 million units sold which will be around 46 percent of the market, followed by Android with 116.4 million units sold which roughly comers 36 percent market share. However, Windows 8 tablets will secure third position with 34.4 million units sold.

Worldwide Sales of Media Tablets to End Users by OS
(Thousands of Units)
Source: Gartner (September 2011)

We all know about windows 8 developer preview. Its installation is very fast and easy. But if try to reinstall the operating system or use the new reset feature to reset it, as it may be asked to enter a product key for the operating system to proceed with the installation. I found threads on the Microsoft Developer Network forum users are asking for product key as Microsoft has not officially published a product key for the Windows 8. Here is Microsoft responds with the following answer:

If you need to reinstall Windows Developer Preview or use the Reset functionality, you might be asked to enter this product key:

6RH4V-HNTWC-JQKG8-RFR3R-36498

If you’re running a server version of Windows Developer Preview, you can use this product key:

4Y8N3-H7MMW-C76VJ-YD3XV-MBDKV

Note: These product keys are only for use with the Windows Developer Preview version of Windows 8.

If you want to reset or reinstall windows 8 developer preview you can use these product keys.

Every one is talking about windows 8′s new user interface but biggest changed in it making intel and AMD insecure.

Firt time in Windows OS history Microsoft is allowing PC manufacturers to use chips other than those built on Intel’s x86 processor architecture. Yes Microsoft is going to support ARM-based semiconductors which are very popular in mobile devices. British chip designed ARM is famous for its preserving battery life and and enabling constant connectivity which best suites to tablet PCs.

In 2012 you will see windows 8 tablets based on Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and Nvidia chips apart from Intel and AMD.

Here are comments from Chipmakers on Microsoft’s this move

“ARM will make a dent in x86,” said Mosesmann. “Intel and AMD both should feel threatened from a mid- to long-term perspective.”

“We want to be best-in-class in battery life, but users are only willing to sacrifice performance to an extent. The advantage we have over Intel and ARM is our performance. We feel really good about our position.” said Gabe Gravning, AMD’s senior manager of client product marketing

“When the netbook first came out, everyone was saying it would be the end of Intel. But when we started making chips for netbooks, that’s when they really took off. The same will be true for Windows tablets.” said Jon Carvill, spokesman for Intel.

“We’ve already mastered the hard part,” said Luis Pineda, Qualcomm’s head of product management. “Intel is finding power consumption to be difficult, and Texas Instruments is having a hard time with mobile.”

American Megatrends Inc, a leader in BIOS and firmware has announced to support of its Aptio UEFI BIOS firmware for the upcoming Windows 8 at BUILD conference.

Here is editorial summary of press release of American Megatrends Inc

• AMI announces full Aptio® UEFI BIOS firmware support for Windows 8 at BUILD
• The Samsung Windows Developer Preview prototype PC presented at BUILD is powered by Aptio 4.6.5.1
• Aptio’s support for Windows 8 is made possible due to full compliance with the UEFI 2.3.1 specification
• AMI adoption of the UEFI 2.3.1 specification adds pre-boot, security, speed and touch-enabled enhancements
• AMI announced the unveiling of a new UEFI Development PC platform today at BUILD conference
• AMI has worked with Microsoft to develop this system and facilitate the rapid development for the Windows 8 Developer Preview throughout the entire developer community
• The new UEFI Development PC platform is powered by the latest version of Aptio® UEFI BIOS, version 4.6.5.1
• The UEFI Development PC platform is one of the first PCs on the market with full UEFI 2.3.1 support, for a great Windows 8 Developer Preview experience that includes Secure Boot and advanced TPM Support for enhanced platform security, UEFI boot mode, seamless boot, fully localizable user interface, FastBoot and much more
• An announcement from AMI on this system’s availability and configuration options will be coming soon
• AMI will provide a demonstration of the UEFI Development PC platform, together with demonstrations of several platforms from leading manufacturers ready to support Windows 8 and all powered by Aptio 4.6.5.1, in Booth 37 at the BUILD conference for the duration of the event