Windows 8 to be launched on Feb 29

BANGALORE, INDIA: It seems Microsoft was waiting for a perfect date to launch its upcoming operating system code named Windows 8.

So, a consumer preview of the Windows 8 operating system has been scheduled on February 29 in Barcelona, Spain, at a mobile industry show.

Also read: How to develop metro apps for Windows 8

Inviting journalists for the big event, Redmond-based company Microsoft plans to give an update about the latest operating system during the two-hour session.

Windows 8 operating system comes with a new user interface (UI), which Microsoft calls as "Metro" and the new UI is compatible for three screens- smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops/desktop PCs.

Also read: A review on Windows 8 developer preview

However, the company has declined to say when Windows 8 will be officially released.

It may be noted that last year in October Micorost had given an opportunity for the developer community to preview the latest operating system to download and develop application based on it.

Some of the features of Windows 8 include:

* 360 degrees change in the Start

* Control panel in Metro interface

* Includes Internet Explorer 10

* Metro style apps which are tablet specific, like PaintPlay and Ink Pad.