Windows 8

Windows 8: A First Look at the Beautiful Apps

Forget humdrum and outdated looking programs. The future Windows apps are beautiful and clean.

ABC News

Microsoft today released a beta version or Consumer Preview of its next operating system -- Windows 8. You can check out our look at the software right here, and even download it yourself if you're comfortable installing operating systems. The final version will be released at a later date; Microsoft isn't giving a specific timeframe.

But along with that, it has launched the Store, which will house all the apps available for the new touch-optimized software. The applications developed by lots of companies have been designed to match the look of the new Windows, with clean text, tiles and smooth horizontal scrolling. In the Consumer Preview all apps are free, although eventually there will be paid options.

I have played with a number of apps in the Store and they are impressive. The full-screen applications are full of eye candy and are fluid to navigate. Click through to see some of my favorites and what the future Windows apps look like.

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