Windows 8: New Interface and Hardware RecommendationsBy Ron on Wednesday, Jun 1st, 2011 at 09:44PM (Updated: June 01, 2011 at 10:48PM)

During the Computex conference in Taipei, Microsoft unveiled its next generation operating system, Windows 8. Microsoft revealed a few hardware "recommendations" for Windows 8 as well as a new User Interface.

Microsoft stated during a demonstration of Windows 8 that the company had a few hardware "recommendations." "We have some recommendations on bezel sizes so you can easily hold the system" while also being able to use it comfortably. Microsoft also recommended a minimum of 1366 x 768 resolution for the best Windows 8 experience. 1024 x 768 will be the absolute minimum for the new UI fanciness and 1024 x 600 will let you run Windows 8 in the classic desktop mode.

Windows 8 will also feature OEM Activation 3.0. This allows for a seamless activation experience for end users and create a more streamlined path for hardware partners. "From day one, we started engineering these systems with a much closer integration of hardware and software than ever."

"With or without touhscreens, with or without keyboards, [you will be able to experience] the full Windows experience."

"We tried with Windows 8 to re-imagine how you work with a PC," said Windows OS President, Steven Sinofsky. Windows 8 will work on laptops, desktops, and tablets. Basically, anything that worked on Windows 7, will work on Windows 8. When using existing desktop applications, the interface goes to a very Windows 7-like desktop.

Microsoft also showed off a new Start screen that resembles the tiled home screen of Windows Phone 7 which will "replace the Windows Start menu with a customizable, scalable full-screen view of apps."

Of course, Windows 8 is still in development. During the demonstration, Microsoft connected the touchscreen to a hidden desktop computer, so the performance was not really realistic.

Stay tuned as we find out more about Windows 8.