Microsoft Corp. has announced the availability of the Windows 8 consumer preview. This latest preview will be made available for download starting today and will enable millions of users worldwide to try the next-generation Windows 8 operating system.

“With Windows 8, we reimagined the different ways people interact with their PC and how to make everything feel like a natural extension of the device, whether using a Windows 8 tablet, laptop or all-in-one. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview brings a no-compromises approach to using your PC,” said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft.

The key new updates in the Windows 8 consumer preview includes refined user experience for touch, keyboard and mouse; improved performance, features, quality and reliability across all subsystems. Another key update is beta version of Windows Store, which is filled with a variety of new Metro style apps from both third-party developers and Microsoft (these apps are available to try and experience at no cost to users). The Windows 8 consumer preview offers seamless integration with the content people care about across their Windows Phone and Windows devices. Finally, Windows 8 CP sports Internet Explorer 10 platform preview 5.

At a special Windows CP event, Microsoft also showcased Windows 8 running on a wide range of new x86- and ARM-based reference hardware. This hardware will be available to select developers for trial and testing as previously announced.

Tags: Microsoft, Windows, Windows 8