That is a good use.  As long as they keep the menus in for the regular computers, it will be interesting to play with.

I think the choice I will be faced with in the future is what do I WANT and what do I NEED in an operating system. This new interface seems attractive. One the other hand customizing and skinning are part of the things I really enjoy doing on my computer so if an older, function able version of windows still allows me to get my fix and get done what I need to get done then I will probably stay with that until something more attractive lures me away. Windows 8, by that video clip, probably won't do it.

This from engadget:

"There'll be two kinds of applications for Windows 8, one that runs in a traditional desktop, and the other pseudo-mobile apps based on HTML5 and Javascript, but both environments -- rather, the entire OS -- have been designed from the ground up for touchscreen use. Keyboard and mouse will still be options for both sets of programs, but there are multiple virtual sets of keys for different form factors, including a split keyboard for vertical slate use. Multitasking is simply a matter of swiping running apps into the center of the screen, and you can pull windows partway to "snap" them in place alongside other windows -- even mixing and matching traditional desktop programs with web apps simultaneously (like Twitter alongside your spreadsheet). There's a new version of Internet Explorer 10 (which runs Silverlight) and an app store built into the touchscreen interface, along with integrated services like Office 365. Microsoft says the new OS will run on laptops, tablets and desktops when it appears -- whenever that might be." - Sean Hollister, engadget

Thus it would seem if Mr. Hollister is correct, WB has a bright future even with Windows8. And I do hope he's right!

Okay, hold on a second there Doc, let me fasten my seatbelt, this looks like it's going to be a wild ride with Windows 8.  

Wow, I'm actually surprised at all the negative comments about a product that is nowhere near completion and in reality seems pretty cool compared to what we have today. Even more so I find it interesting how so many people take shots at MS's softwares when a great majority still use Windows in some fashion. My only conclusion as to why so many still have XP is because in most cases they simply either have not updated their PCs because they see no point in buying a new OS for an old PC when they probably plan on getting a new one or already got a new one or they have no clue they can update their PCs to Windows 7 as oppose to having to buy a new one. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that most people that I know who own a PC know very little about PCs, installing software, updating or replacing hardware or even how anything works. Most only know how to navigate IE to facebook and such sites and have little clue as to how the Internet works at all.

I was just going to make that observation (having read more about Win8). For some, it is really a good idea.  I know my mother would be a lot less confused with fewer choices.  But for many of us here on this forum - it is going to suck big time!  I wonder if MS is really coming up with a new ME?  At this point, I do not like what I read.  But perhaps when it is released it will have what I want and need as well.

I think I'll opt to keep 7 as long as I can on this computer and put 8 on my touchscreen... I'll opt to run the orb and bar for most things, and the rest will go to the touchscreen....

or on your smartphone?  Me thinks that is what 8 is aimed for (and the articles I read seemed to insinuate that as well).

There's a lot more cell phones and smartphones and what have you than PC's or laptops methinks. Bigger market. OS goes for about the same price but two to three times the profit. Just guessing.

Except in my house - we got 2 cell phones - but we also have 6 computers (one we use as a file server)

Per MS, it's aimed at everything you both mentioned. How's that for Moderating? LOL.

Truly though, in all the references through the thread which I've given, it's aimed at all platforms.... and Dr Guy's house presents a major electromagnetic hazard. I figure the Aliens have detected earth only because of him. Fie on thee, Sir Guy of Megahertz!

There's a start menu analogue at 1:31.

Additionally, at 3:08, it switches to normal windows, which to me suggests that this whole thing is just an app environment pasted over Windows 7.

Nope. It's not a layer. Definitely not. Check out some of my links.

It got me a bit worried, since the current school of thought at Microsoft seems to be 'backwards compatibility be damned' (one of the major reasons why Vista was such a flop, although I personally used it and liked it).

On the other hand, touch is great for iPads and the like, but I for one wouldn't like to get finger grease on my 30" monitors (well, I suppose I could always wash my hands first)

Which is why you should be buying "Windex futures"!

Jorge, apparently there'll be a way to use the old orb/taskbar although I didn't actually see it in the video....