Sideloading describes the process of transferring files between two local devices, in particular between a personal computer and a mobile device such as a mobile phone , smartphone , PDA , tablet , portable media player or e-reader .
110-547: Windows Runtime ( WinRT ) is a platform-agnostic component and application architecture first introduced in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 in 2012. It is implemented in C++ and officially supports development in C++ (via C++/WinRT , C++/CX or WRL), Rust/WinRT , Python/WinRT , JavaScript - TypeScript , and the managed code languages C# and Visual Basic (.NET) (VB.NET). WinRT
220-466: A Microsoft account , which can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between multiple devices. A client app for Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service allows apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. However, a SkyDrive client for the desktop and File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately. Bundled multimedia apps are provided under
330-511: A Windows domain , or equipped with a special activation key obtained from Microsoft. However these restrictions were lifted in the Windows November 10 Update, where users can freely sideload any app signed with a trusted certificate by enabling a setting. In a major departure from Win32 and similarly to .NET Framework 4.5 , most APIs which are expected to take significant time to complete are implemented as asynchronous . When calling
440-636: A language binding is termed a language projection. Standard C++ is a first-class citizen of the WinRT platform. As of Windows 10, version 1803, the Windows SDK contains C++/WinRT. C++/WinRT is an entirely standard modern C++17 language projection for Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs, implemented as a header-file-based library, and designed to provide first-class access to the modern Windows API. With C++/WinRT, Windows Runtime APIs can be authored and consumed using any standards-compliant C++17 compiler. WinRT
550-511: A ribbon in place of the command bar. File operation dialog boxes have been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files. A new "File History" function allows incremental revisions of files to be backed up to and restored from a secondary storage device, while Storage Spaces allows users to combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on
660-473: A sandboxed environment , and require permissions to use certain other functionalities, such as accessing the Internet or a camera. Retail variants of Windows 8 are only able to install these apps through Windows Store – a namesake distribution platform that offers both apps, and listings for desktop programs certified for comparability with Windows 8. A method to sideload apps from outside Windows Store
770-695: A "General Availability Cumulative Update" (which included fixes to improve performance, compatibility, and battery life) was released on Tuesday , October 9, 2012. Microsoft stated that due to improvements to its testing infrastructure, general improvements of this nature were to be released more frequently through Windows Update instead of being relegated to OEMs and service packs only. Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its Surface tablet in October 2012, starting with its first television advertisement premiering on October 14, 2012. The advertising budget of US$ 1.5–1.8 billion
880-562: A 720p webcam and higher quality speakers and microphones, while all certified devices that support Wi-Fi must support Bluetooth as well. As of 2015, all certified devices must contain Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chips. Windows 8 is available in three different editions, of which only the base edition, branded simply as Windows 8 , and Windows 8 Pro , were sold at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on new computers. Each edition of Windows 8 includes all of
990-461: A Control Panel applet called "Windows 7 File Recovery". Shadow Copy , a component of Windows Explorer that once saved previous versions of changed files, no longer protects local files and folders. It can only access previous versions of shared files stored on a Windows Server computer. The subsystem on which these components worked, however, is still available for other software to use. Support for older XPDM and VGA display adapter drivers
1100-706: A Metro-style web browser in the same package as the desktop variant, which has access to functionality unavailable to other apps, such as being able to permanently run in the background, use multiple background processes, and use Windows API code instead of WinRT (allowing for code to be re-used with the desktop variant, while still taking advantage of features available to Windows Store apps, such as charms). Microsoft advertises this exception privilege "New experience enabled" (formerly "Metro-style enabled"). The developers of both Chrome and Firefox committed to developing Metro-style variants of their browsers; while Chrome's "Windows 8 mode" (discontinued on Chrome version 49) uses
1210-641: A Microsoft effort to reconcile traditional Windows desktop and the UWP app model. With the introduction of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), the platform has received many API bridges that allow programs originally developed for other platforms to be ported easily while taking advantage of UWP features. Microsoft has provided bridges for Android (defunct since 2016), iOS ( Cocoa Touch ), Progressive Web Apps , Silverlight , as well as traditional Windows desktop apps (using MSIX packaging from
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#17327805589871320-459: A PC and a mobile device. Using this option is slightly more complicated than using a USB connection as the two devices have to be paired first. Also, unlike the familiar drag and drop that is usually available via USB, Bluetooth implementation is specific to the Bluetooth transceiver and drivers being used. Files that are sideloaded to mobile devices via Bluetooth are often received as messages, in
1430-513: A WinRT app in JavaScript, its features are adapted to follow JavaScript naming conventions, and namespaces are also mapped to JavaScript objects. Microsoft is in the process of projecting WinRT APIs to languages other than C++. One example is Rust/WinRT, an interface for programs written in Rust to consume and author WinRT APIs. Rust/WinRT is part of Windows App SDK (formerly Project Reunion),
1540-616: A Windows Runtime asynchronous function, the task is started on another thread or process and the function returns immediately, freeing the app to perform other tasks while waiting for results. The asynchronous model requires new programming language constructs. Each language provides their own way to consume asynchronous APIs. Parts of the built-in API needing asynchronous access include on-screen messages and dialogs, file access, Internet connectivity, sockets, streams, devices and services, and calendar, contacts and appointments. The metadata describes
1650-479: A character known in English-speaking markets as "Allison Brown", whose fictional profile (including personal photos, contacts, and emails) was featured on in-store demo units of Windows 8 devices. In May 2013, Microsoft launched a new television campaign for Windows 8 illustrating the capabilities and pricing of Windows 8 tablets in comparison to the iPad , which featured the voice of Siri remarking on
1760-438: A customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles". As a form of multi-tasking , apps can be snapped to the side of a screen. Alongside the traditional Control Panel , a new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as "PC Settings" is used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of
1870-506: A folder-by-folder basis. For easier management of files and folders, Windows 8 introduces the ability to move selected files or folders via drag and drop from a parent folder into a subfolder listed within the breadcrumb hierarchy of the address bar in File Explorer. Task Manager has been redesigned, including a new processes tab with the option to display fewer or more details of running applications and background processes,
1980-581: A full-screen version of the existing desktop interface, Firefox's variant (which was first made available on the "Aurora" release channel in September 2013) uses a touch-optimized interface inspired by the Android variant of Firefox . In October 2013, Chrome's app was changed to mimic the desktop environment used by ChromeOS . Development of the Firefox app for Windows 8 has since been cancelled, citing
2090-652: A heat map using different colors indicating the level of resource usage, network and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g. applications, background processes and Windows processes), friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information about obscure processes. Additionally, the Blue Screen of Death has been updated with a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed. New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens ( PINs and picture passwords),
2200-458: A keyboard and mouse rather than a touchscreen. Despite these shortcomings, 60 million licenses were sold through January 2013, including upgrades and sales to OEMs for new PCs. Windows 8 was succeeded by Windows 8.1 in October 2013, which addressed some aspects of Windows 8 that were criticized by reviewers and early adopters and also incorporated various improvements. Support for RTM editions of Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and with
2310-446: A lack of user adoption of the beta versions. Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system's user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language and uses a Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone 7 as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays
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#17327805589872420-635: A launch promotion, Microsoft offered Windows 8 Pro upgrades at a discounted price of US$ 39.99 online, or $ 69.99 for a retail box; afterward the Windows 8 price has been $ 119.99 and the Pro price $ 199.99. Those who purchased new PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013, could digitally purchase a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for US$ 14.99. Several PC manufacturers offered rebates and refunds on Windows 8 upgrades obtained through promotions on select models, such as those of Hewlett-Packard (in
2530-494: A mobile broadband device is integrated into a tablet or convertible system, then an assisted GPS radio is required. Devices supporting near field communication need to have visual marks to help users locate and use the proximity technology. The new interrupt button combination, to replace Ctrl + Alt + Del , is Windows Key + Power. Updated certification requirements were implemented to coincide with Windows 8.1. As of 2014, all certified devices with integrated displays must contain
2640-399: A native and consistent experience regardless of the programming language. Since Windows Runtime is projected to various languages, some restrictions on fundamental data types exist so as to host all such languages. Programmers must be careful with the behavior of those types when used with public access (for method parameters, method return values, properties, etc.). Windows Phone 8.1 uses
2750-464: A new application framework for Windows 8 codenamed "Jupiter", which would be used to make "immersive" applications using XAML (similarly to Windows Phone and Silverlight ) that could be distributed via a new packaging system and a rumored application store . The earliest available build of Windows 8 is build 7700, compiled in January 2010. The build was almost identical to Windows 7 except for
2860-476: A new keyboard shortcut for screenshots . Many of these features were adapted from Windows Phone . Windows 8 also added support for USB 3.0 , Advanced Format , near-field communication , and cloud computing , as well as a new lock screen with clock and notifications. Additional security features—including built-in antivirus software , integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering, and support for Secure Boot on supported devices—were introduced. It
2970-521: A new set of APIs known as Windows Runtime , which supports programming languages such as C , C++ , Visual Basic .NET , C# , along with HTML5 and JavaScript . If written in some "high-level" languages, apps written for Windows Runtime can be compatible with both Intel and ARM variants of Windows, otherwise they are not binary code compatible . Components may be compiled as Windows Runtime Components, permitting their use by all compatible languages. To ensure stability and security, apps run within
3080-484: A part of the connection process and offer usage statistics on their respective tile. Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, Windows Store apps . According to Microsoft developer Jensen Harris, these apps are optimized for touchscreen environments and are more specialized than current desktop applications . Apps can run either in a full-screen mode or be snapped to the side of a screen. Apps can provide toast notifications on screen or animate their tiles on
3190-529: A public build since its debut on Windows 95 ; according to Windows manager Chaitanya Sareen, the Start button was removed to reflect their view that on Windows 8, the desktop was an app itself, and not the primary interface of the operating system. Windows president Steven Sinofsky said more than 100,000 changes had been made since the developer version went public. The day after its release, Windows 8 Consumer Preview had been downloaded over one million times. Like
3300-695: A sandbox and need explicit user approval to access critical OS features and underlying hardware. By default, file access is restricted to several predetermined locations, such as the directories Documents or Pictures. WinRT applications are packaged in the .appx and later the .msix file format ; based upon Open Packaging Conventions , it uses a ZIP format with added XML files. WinRT applications are distributed mostly through an application store named Microsoft Store , where Windows apps (termed Windows Store apps ) can be purchased and downloaded by users. Initially, WinRT apps could only be sideloaded from outside Windows Store on Windows 8 or RT systems that are part of
3410-718: A set of built-in APIs which are built on the WinRT ABI which provide everything from the XAML-based WinUI library and device access such as camera, microphone etc... The previous C++/CX (Component Extensions) language, which borrows some C++/CLI syntax, was introduced for writing and consuming WinRT components with less glue code visible to the programmer, relative to classic COM programming in C++, and imposes fewer restrictions relative to C++/CLI on mixing types. The Component Extensions of C++/CX are recommended for use at
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3520-453: A single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices are hidden or removed, leaving the display as the only input mechanism. On March 12, 2013, Microsoft amended its certification requirements to only require that screens on tablets have a minimum resolution of 1024×768 (down from the previous 1366×768). The amended requirement is intended to allow "greater design flexibility" for future products. If
3630-702: A smaller blacklist of sites with known compatibility issues instead, allowing Flash to be used with most sites by default. The desktop variant does not contain these limitations. Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for mobile broadband ; the operating system can now detect the insertion of a SIM card and automatically configure connection settings (including APNs and carrier branding), and reduce its Internet usage to conserve bandwidth on metered networks . An integrated airplane mode setting enables users to globally disable all wireless connectivity. Carriers can also offer account management systems through Windows Store apps, which can be automatically installed as
3740-714: A version of the Windows Runtime named the Windows Phone Runtime . It enables developing applications in C# and VB.NET, and Windows Runtime components in C++/CX. Although WP8 brought limited support, the platform did eventually converge with Windows 8.1 in Windows Phone 8.1 . Windows Phone 8 has limited support for developing and consuming Windows Runtime components through Windows Phone Runtime . Many of
3850-553: Is impossible in C++/CX. Development using either HTML5 or WinJS is unsupported on Windows Phone 8. Windows Runtime support on Windows Phone 8.1 converges with Windows 8.1. The release brings a full Windows Runtime API to the platform, including support for WinRT XAML , and language bindings for C++/CX , and HTML5 - JavaScript . There is also a project type called Universal apps to enable apps to share code across 8.1 versions of Windows Phone and Windows. The Windows Phone 8 Silverlight Framework has been updated. It can exploit some of
3960-455: Is a native platform and supports any native (and standard) C++ code, so that a C++ developer can reuse existing native C/C++ libraries. With C++/WinRT, there are no language extensions. There are two other legacy options for using WinRT from C++: Windows Runtime C++ Template Library (WRL), an ATL -style template library (similar to Windows Template Library or WTL), and C++/CX (C++ with Component Extensions) which resembles C++/CLI. Because of
4070-408: Is accessed via a tile on the Start screen. The Start button on the taskbar from previous versions of Windows has been converted into a hotspot (or "hot corner") in the lower-left corner of the screen, which displays a large tooltip displaying a thumbnail of the Start screen. Windows 8.1 added the start button back to the taskbar after many complaints, but removed the preview thumbnail. Swiping from
4180-511: Is available as "full version software" as both a packaged DVD and online for download, and does not require a previous version of Windows in order to be installed. Pricing for these new copies remains identical with that of Windows 8. With the retail release of Windows 8.1 returning to being full version software, the "Personal Use License" exemption was removed from the OEM SKU, meaning that end users building their own PCs for personal use must use
4290-471: Is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a domain ; Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT devices that are not part of a domain can also sideload apps, but only after special product keys are obtained through volume licensing. The term "Immersive app" had been used internally by Microsoft developers to refer to the apps prior to the first official presentation of Windows 8, after which they were referred to as "Metro-style apps" in reference to
4400-585: Is included as two variants – a desktop program and a touch-optimized app. It also includes increased support for HTML5 , CSS3 , and hardware acceleration . The app does not support plugins or ActiveX components, but includes a variant of Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low-power usage. Initially, Adobe Flash would only work on sites included on a "Compatibility View" whitelist ; however, after feedback from users and additional compatibility tests, an update in March 2013 changed this behavior to use
4510-663: Is not a runtime in a traditional sense but rather a language-independent application binary interface based on COM to allow object-oriented APIs to be consumed from multiple languages, with services usually provided by a full-blown runtime, such as type activation. That is, WinRT is an "API delivery system". Apps using the Windows Runtime may run inside a sandboxed environment to allow greater security and stability and can natively support both x86 and ARM . WinRT components are designed with interoperability among multiple languages and APIs in mind, including native, managed and scripting languages. Built-in APIs provided by Windows which use
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4620-435: Is only available through volume licensing . A port of Windows 8 for ARM architecture , Windows RT , is marketed as an edition of Windows 8, but was only included as pre-loaded software on devices specifically developed for it. Windows 8 was distributed as a retail box product on DVD , and through a digital download that could be converted into DVD or USB install media. From its launch until January 31, 2013, as part of
4730-495: Is similar to that of Windows 7 . Several notable features were removed in Windows 8; support for playing DVD-Video was removed from Windows Media Player due to the cost of licensing the necessary decoders (especially for devices which do not include optical disc drives at all) and the prevalence of online streaming services. For the same reasons, Windows Media Center is not included by default on Windows 8, but Windows Media Center and DVD playback support could be purchased in
4840-462: Is stored in a separate metadata file that can be reflected like ordinary CLI assemblies . Since it is the same format as CLI metadata, WinRT APIs can be used from managed CLI languages as if it was just a .NET API. WinRT has a rich object-oriented class -based type system that is built on the metadata. It supports constructs with corresponding constructs in the .NET framework: classes , methods , properties , delegates , and events . One of
4950-417: Is the metadata. This metadata makes it possible to interface with the component from any other WinRT language. The runtime requires WinRT components that are built with .NET Framework to use the defined interface types or .NET type interfaces, which automatically map to the first named. Inheritance is as yet not supported in managed WinRT components, except for XAML classes. Programs and libraries targeted for
5060-429: Is widespread and virtually every mobile device is capable of sideloading in one or more ways. Sideloading has several advantages when compared with other ways of delivering content to mobile devices: Sideloading also has disadvantages: Sideloading over a USB connection was standardized by OMTP in late 2007. Until this time, mobile phone manufacturers had tended to adopt proprietary USB transfer solutions requiring
5170-553: The Metro design language . The term was phased out in August 2012; a Microsoft spokesperson denied rumors that the change was related to a potential trademark issue, and stated that "Metro" was only a codename that would be replaced prior to Windows 8's release. Following these reports, the terms "Modern UI-style apps", "Windows 8-style apps", and "Windows Store apps" began to be used in various Microsoft documents and material to refer to
5280-612: The Windows App SDK ). WinRT comes with an application programming interface (API) in the form of a class library that exposes the features of Windows 8 for the developer, like its immersive interface API. It is accessible and consumable from any supported language. The Windows Runtime classes is a set SDKs that provide access to all functionality from the XAML parser to the camera function. The SDKs are implemented as native C/C++ libraries (unmanaged). The naming conventions for
5390-434: The "Pro Pack" (which upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro) or the "Media Center Pack" add-on for Windows 8 Pro. As with prior versions, third-party DVD player software can still be used to enable DVD playback. Backup and Restore , the backup component of Windows, was deprecated . It still shipped with Windows 8 and continues to work on preset schedules, but it was pushed to the background and can only be accessed through
5500-544: The API definitions are stored in .winmd files, which are encoded in ECMA 335 metadata format, which .NET Framework also uses with a few modifications. For WinRT components implemented in native code, the metadata file only contains the definition of methods, classes, interfaces and enumerations and the implementation is provided in a separate DLL. This common metadata format makes it easier to consume WinRT APIs from .NET apps with simpler syntax than P/Invoke . Windows provides
5610-613: The API-boundary only, not for other purposes. Regular C++ (with COM-specific discipline) can also be used to program with WinRT components, with the help of the Windows Runtime C++ Template Library (WRL), which is similar in purpose to what Active Template Library provides for COM. In 2019, Microsoft deprecated C++/CX in favor of the C++/WinRT header library. Most WinRT applications run within
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#17327805589875720-502: The APIs written using the WinRT ABI. It defines a programming model that makes it possible to write object-oriented code that can be shared across programming languages , and enables services like reflective programming (reflection). Herb Sutter , C++ expert at Microsoft , explained during his session on C++ at the 2011 Build conference that the WinRT metadata is in the same format as CLI metadata . Native code (i.e., processor-specific machine code) cannot contain metadata, so it
5830-538: The Developer Preview, the Consumer Preview expired on January 15, 2013. Many other builds may exist or were released until Japan's Developers Day conference when Sinofsky announced that Windows 8 Release Preview (build 8400) would be released during the first week of June. On May 28, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview (Standard Simplified Chinese x64 edition, not China-specific variant, build 8400)
5940-602: The Release Preview to the final version. These included updated versions of bundled apps, the renaming of Windows Explorer to File Explorer, the replacement of the Aero Glass theme from Windows Vista and 7 with a new flat and solid-color theme as seen in build 8432, and the addition of new background options for the Start screen, lock screen, and desktop. Prior to its general availability on October 26, 2012, updates were released for some of Windows 8's bundled apps, and
6050-507: The Skylake support policy until the end of support for Windows 7 and 8.1 (2020 and 2023, respectively). Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for tablet and laplet devices to be "certified" for Windows 8 and defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that combines the PC, display, and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in
6160-612: The Start screen with dynamic content. Apps can use "contracts"; a collection of hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps, including search and sharing. Apps can also provide integration with other services; for example, the People app can connect to a variety of different social networks and services (such as Facebook, Skype , and People service ), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr. Windows Store apps run within
6270-525: The U.S. and Canada on select models) and Acer (in Europe on selected Ultrabook models). During these promotions, the Windows Media Center add-on for Windows 8 Pro was also offered for free. Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 was distributed at retail only under "Upgrade" licenses, which require an onboard version of Windows to install. The "full version software" SKU, which
6380-483: The United States and Canada into a Windows-branded store-within-a-store that would showcase Microsoft products, services, and Windows devices. New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot), a new lock screen with a clock and notifications, and
6490-517: The WinRT ABI are commonly known as WinRT APIs; however, anyone can use the WinRT ABI for their own APIs. WinRT is implemented in the programming language C++ and is object-oriented by design. Its underlying technology, the Windows API (Win32 API), is written mostly in the language C . It is an unmanaged application binary interface based on Component Object Model (COM) that allows interfacing from multiple languages, as does COM. However,
6600-401: The WinRT runtime can be created and consumed from several platforms and programming languages. Notably C / C++ (either with language extensions offering first-class support for WinRT concepts, or with a lower-level template library allowing to write code in standard C++), .NET ( C# and Visual Basic (.NET) (VB.NET)) and JavaScript . This is made possible by the metadata. In WinRT terminology,
6710-652: The Windows Runtime APIs in Windows 8 that handle core operating system functions have been ported to Windows Phone 8. Support for developing native games using C++/CX and DirectX has been added, by request from the game development industry. However, the Windows Phone XAML Framework is still based on the same Microsoft Silverlight framework, as in Windows Phone 7, for backward compatibility. Thus, as of 2016, XAML development
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#17327805589876820-452: The Windows logo was changed to resemble a set of four window panes. Additionally, the entire logo is now rendered in a single solid color. On February 29, 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250. Alongside other changes, the build brought over the big change from build 8195: removing the Start button from the taskbar for the first time in
6930-687: The XAML-based WinUI , and are primarily written in C#, VB.NET, and for the first time for XAML, with native code using C++/CX. Although not yet officially supported, programs can also be written in other .NET languages. With .NET 5, Microsoft removed the built-in WinRT support and instead created CsWinRT, a tool that generates interop code for accessing Windows Runtime APIs similar to how C++/WinRT works. Classes defined in WinRT components that are built in managed .NET languages must be declared as sealed , so they cannot be derived from. However, non-sealed WinRT classes defined elsewhere can be inherited from in .NET, their virtual methods overridden, and so on; but
7040-568: The Xbox brand, including Xbox Music , Xbox Video , and the Xbox SmartGlass companion for use with an Xbox 360 console. Games can integrate into an Xbox Live hub app, which also allows users to view their profile and Gamerscore . Other bundled apps provide the ability to link Flickr and Facebook . Due to Facebook Connect service changes, Facebook support is disabled in all bundled apps effective June 8, 2015. Internet Explorer 10
7150-488: The ability for enterprise users to create live USB variants of Windows (also known as Windows To Go ). It also includes native support for USB 3 devices, which allow for faster data transfers and improved power management with compatible devices, and hard disk 4KB Advanced Format support, as well as support for near field communication to facilitate sharing and communication between devices. Windows Explorer , which has been renamed to File Explorer, now includes
7260-671: The above minimum specifications. Included in this standard are a number of security-specific requirements designed to improve physical security , notably against Cold Boot Attacks . 32-bit SKUs of Windows 8 only support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit SKUs, however, support more: Windows 8 x64 supports 128 GB while Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise x64 support 512 GB. In January 2016, Microsoft announced that, effective July 17, 2018, it would no longer support Windows 8.1 or 7 on devices using Intel's Skylake CPU family, and that all future CPU microarchitectures, as well as Skylake systems after this date, would only be supported on Windows 10 . After
7370-409: The addition of antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft Security Essentials ). SmartScreen filtering integrated into Windows, Family Safety offers parental controls , which allows parents to monitor and manage their children's activities on a device with activity reports and safety controls. Windows 8 also provides integrated system recovery through
7480-544: The advanced options still accessible from the Control Panel. A vertical toolbar known as the charms (accessed by swiping from the right edge of a touchscreen, swiping from the right edge of a touchpad, or pointing the cursor at hotspots in the right corners of a screen) provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button. The traditional desktop environment for running desktop applications
7590-556: The capabilities and features of the edition preceding it, and add additional features oriented towards their market segments. For example, Pro added BitLocker , Hyper-V , the ability to join a domain , and the ability to install Windows Media Center as a paid add-on. Users of Windows 8 can purchase a "Pro Pack" license that upgrades their system to Windows 8 Pro through Add features to Windows . This license also includes Windows Media Center. Windows 8 Enterprise contains additional features aimed towards business environments, and
7700-557: The complete class while allowing clean separation of the machine-generated and human-edited parts of a class implementation into different files. The .NET Framework and the Common Language Runtime (CLR) are integrated into the WinRT as a subplatform. It has influenced and set the standards for the ecosystem through the metadata format and libraries. The CLR provides services like JIT-compilation code and garbage collection . WinRT applications using .NET languages use
7810-403: The components (classes and other members) in the API are heavily influenced by the .NET naming conventions which uses camel case (specifically PascalCase). Microsoft recommends users to follow these rules in case where no others are given. These conventions are projected differently in some languages, like JavaScript, which converts it to its conventions and the other way around. This is to give
7920-586: The deadline, only critical security updates would be released for users on these platforms. When this new policy faced criticism from users and enterprise customers, Microsoft partially retracted the change and stated that both operating systems would remain supported on Skylake hardware through the end of their extended-support lifecycle. Windows 8.1 remains officially unsupported on all newer CPU families, and neither AMD or Intel will provide official chipset drivers for Windows operating systems other than Windows 10. However, in August 2016, Microsoft again extended
8030-416: The device's boot process. Some pre-built devices may be described as "certified" by Microsoft; these must have secure boot enabled by default, and provide ways for users to disable or re-configure the feature. ARM -based Windows RT devices must have secure boot permanently enabled. Windows 8 provides tighter integration with online services from Microsoft and others. A user can now log into Windows with
8140-506: The device. Transfer performance of USB sideloading varies greatly, depending on the USB version supported, and further still by the actual engineering implementation of the USB controller. USB is available in Low-Speed (1.2 Mbit/s, 150 KB/s), Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s, 1.5 MB/s), and Hi-Speed levels, with High-Speed USB transferring up to 480 Mbit/s (60 MB/s). However,
8250-546: The exception of Windows Embedded 8 Standard users, all users are required to install the Windows 8.1 update. Mainstream support for the Embedded Standard edition of Windows 8 ended on July 10, 2018, and extended support ended on July 11, 2023. Development started in 2009 while Microsoft was finishing work on Windows 7 . At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011, it was announced that
8360-514: The first day of the first build conference on September 13, 2011. The first public beta build of Windows 8—Windows Developer Preview (build 8102)—was released at the event. A Samsung tablet running the build was also distributed to conference attendees. The build was released for download later that day in 32-bit and 64-bit variants, and a special 64-bit variant which included SDKs and developer tools ( Visual Studio Express and Expression Blend ) for developing Metro-style apps. The Windows Store
8470-422: The full retail variant in order to satisfy the Windows 8.1 licensing requirements. Windows 8.1 with Bing is a special OEM-specific SKU of Windows 8.1 subsidized by Microsoft's Bing search engine. Sideloading Sideloading typically refers to media file transfer to a mobile device via USB , Bluetooth , WiFi or by writing to a memory card for insertion into the mobile device, but also applies to
8580-519: The iPad's limitations in a parody of Apple's " Get a Mac " advertisements. On June 12, 2013, during game 1 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals , Microsoft premiered the first ad in its "Windows Everywhere" campaign, which promoted Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 , and the company's suite of online services as an interconnected platform. Microsoft also announced that it would partner with electronics store chain Best Buy to convert PC departments at locations in
8690-474: The inherited managed class must still be sealed. Members that interface with another language must have a signature with WinRT types or a managed type that is convertible to these. WinRT applications can also be coded using HTML with JavaScript in code-behind , which are run using the Trident rendering engine and Chakra JavaScript engine, both of which are also used by Internet Explorer . When coding
8800-502: The internal consumption requirements at Microsoft, WRL is exception-free, meaning its return-value discipline is HRESULT -based just like that of COM. C++/CX on the other hand wraps-up calls to WinRT with code that does error checking and throws exceptions as appropriate. C++/CX has several extensions that enable integration with the platform and its type system. The syntax resembles the one of C++/CLI although it produces native (although not standard) code and metadata that integrates with
8910-466: The left edge of a touchscreen or clicking in the top-left corner of the screen allows one to switch between apps and Desktop. Pointing the cursor at the top-left corner of the screen and moving down reveals a thumbnail list of active apps. Aside from the removal of the Start button and the replacement of the Aero Glass theme with a flatter and solid-colored design, the desktop interface on Windows 8
9020-616: The major additions to WinRT relative to COM is the cross- application binary interface (ABI), .NET-style generics . Only interfaces and delegates can be generic, runtime classes and methods in them can't. Generic interfaces are also known as parameterized interfaces. In C++/CX, they are declared using the keyword generic with a syntax very similar to that of keyword template . WinRT classes (ref classes) can also be genericized using C++ templates, but only template instantiations can be exported to .winmd metadata (with some name mangling ), unlike WinRT generics which preserve their genericity in
9130-476: The majority of mobile phones as of the time of writing of this article are Full-Speed USB. Of the mobile products supporting USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, the actual sideloading performance usually ranges from 1 to 5 MB/s. However, the popular BlackBerry mobile phones by RIM and the iPods by Apple distance themselves at higher performing speeds of roughly 15.7 MB/s and 9.6 MB/s, respectively. Bluetooth’s OBEX / OPP profiles allow for file transfer between
9240-473: The metadata. WinRT also provides a set of interfaces for generic containers that parallel those in the C++ Standard Library , and languages provide some reciprocal (back-and-forth) conversion functions. The consumption of WinRT collections in .NET languages (e.g., C# and VB) and in JavaScript is more transparent than in C++, with automated mappings into their natural equivalents occurring behind
9350-513: The new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions, including system recovery from USB drive. Windows 8's first security patches would be released on November 13, 2012; it would contain three fixes deemed "critical" by the company. Windows 8 supports a feature of the UEFI specification known as "Secure boot", which uses a public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as bootkits from infecting
9460-509: The new apps. In an interview on September 12, 2012, Soma Somasegar (vice president of Microsoft's development software division) confirmed that "Windows Store apps" would be the official term for the apps. An MSDN page explaining the Metro design language uses the term "Modern design" to refer to the language as a whole. Exceptions to the restrictions faced by Windows Store apps are given to web browsers . The user's default browser can distribute
9570-601: The new features in the Windows Runtime. Windows Phone Runtime uses the AppX package format from Windows 8, after formerly using Silverlight XAP . Windows 8 Windows 8 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft . It was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, made available for download via MSDN and TechNet on August 15, 2012, and generally released for retail on October 26, 2012. Windows 8 introduced major changes to
9680-454: The next version of Windows would add support for ARM System-on-chips alongside the existing 32-bit processors produced by vendors, especially AMD and Intel . Windows division president Steven Sinofsky demonstrated an early build of the port on prototype devices, while Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the company's goal for Windows to be "everywhere on every kind of device without compromise." Details also began to surface about
9790-462: The operating system's platform and user interface with the intention to improve its user experience on tablets , where Windows competed with mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS . In particular, these changes included a touch-optimized Windows shell and start screen based on Microsoft's Metro design language, integration with online services, the Windows Store , and
9900-609: The runtime. For example, WinRT objects may be allocated with ref new , which is the counterpart of gcnew from C++/CLI. The hat operator ^ retains its meaning, however in the case where both the caller and callee are written in C++ and living in the same process, a hat reference is simply a pointer to a vptr to a virtual method table (vtable, VMT). Along with C++/CX, relative to traditional C++ COM programming, are partial classes , again inspired by .NET. These allow instance WinRT XAML code to be translated into C++ code by tools, and then combined with human-written code to produce
10010-411: The same way that SMS texts would be received. While these files can be saved to any storage medium, their initial location is the handset’s internal memory. As such the limitations of the internal memory have to be taken into account before beginning the sideload. Sideloading via a memory card requires that the user have access to a memory card writer. Audio and video files can be written directly to
10120-457: The scenes. When authoring a WinRT component in a managed language, some extra, COM-style rules must be followed, e.g. .NET framework collection types cannot be declared as return types, but only the WinRT interfaces that they implement can be used at the component boundary. Classes that are compiled to target the WinRT are called WinRT components . They are classes that can be written in any supported language and for any supported platform. The key
10230-418: The service. Usage of this feature began to decline as newer hard drives became cheaper and the space on them grew each year into the gigabytes and the trademark application was abandoned. The advent of portable MP3 players in the late 1990s brought sideloading to the masses, even if the term was not widely adopted. Users would download content to their PCs and sideload it to their players. Today, sideloading
10340-655: The transfer of apps from web sources that are not vendor-approved. When referring to Android apps , "sideloading" typically means installing an application package in APK format onto an Android device. Such packages are usually downloaded from websites other than the official app store Google Play . For Android users sideloading of apps is only possible if the user has allowed "Unknown Sources" in their Security Settings. When referring to iOS apps, "sideloading" means installing an app in IPA format onto an Apple device, usually through
10450-401: The use of a computer program such as Cydia Impactor or Xcode . On modern versions of iOS, the sources of the apps must be trusted by both Apple and the user in "profiles and device management" in settings, except when using jailbreak methods of sideloading apps. Sideloading is only allowed by Apple for internal testing and development of apps using the official SDKs. The term "sideload"
10560-401: The use of bundled or third party cables and software. Unless additional software is installed on the device, the PC, or both, transfers can usually only be initiated by the PC. Once connected, the device will appear in the PC's file explorer window as either a media player or an external hard drive. Files and folders on the device may be copied to the PC, and the PC may copy files and folders to
10670-468: The wallpaper being different—the same one from the Beta and Release Candidate. In addition, there were a few references to Windows 8 in this build's Local Group Policy Editor Utility. In late 2010, an optional 3D desktop user interface for high-end systems named "Wind" was rumored. Two milestone releases of Windows 8 and one of Windows Server 2012 leaked to the general public. Milestone 1, Build 7850,
10780-433: Was coined in the late 1990s by online storage service i-drive as an alternative means of transferring and storing computer files virtually instead of physically. In 2000, i-drive applied for a trademark on the term. Rather than initiating a traditional file "download" from a website or FTP site to their computer, a user could perform a "sideload" and have the file transferred directly into their personal storage area on
10890-412: Was released to manufacturing with the build number 6.2.9200.16384, and Microsoft planned to hold a launch event on October 25, 2012 before releasing it for general availability the next day. However, only a day after its release to manufacturing, a copy of the final version of Windows 8 Enterprise N (a variant for European markets which lacks bundled media players to comply with an antitrust ruling )
11000-512: Was also announced during the presentation, but was not available in this build. According to Microsoft, there were about 535,000 downloads of the developer preview within the first 12 hours of its release. Originally set to expire on March 11, 2012, in February 2012 the Developer Preview's expiry date was changed to January 15, 2013. On February 17, 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new logo for Windows 8. Designed by Pentagram partner Paula Scher ,
11110-480: Was discovered that Metro existed in this build, after disabling the Redpill feature lockout. The start screen was very primitive, being a screen with a white background and gray tiles. The charms bar was also included, but was unusable. The OS still reads as "Windows 7". Milestone 2, Build 7955, was leaked on April 25, 2011. The traditional Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) was replaced by a new black screen, although it
11220-748: Was later replaced, and the circling dots as featured in the final build (although the final version comes with smaller circling dots throbber). It also had the text Welcome below them, although this was scrapped. On June 1, 2011, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8's new user interface, as well as additional features at both Computex Taipei and the D9: All Things Digital conference in California. The "Building Windows 8" blog launched on August 15, 2011, featuring details surrounding Windows 8's features and its development process. Microsoft would unveil more Windows 8 features and improvements on
11330-504: Was later reverted to a different blue color. This build introduced a new ribbon in Windows Explorer . The "Windows 7" logo was temporarily replaced with text displaying "Microsoft Confidential". Both builds 7850 and 7955 leaked alongside Windows Server 2012 build 7959. On June 17, 2011, build 7989 64-bit edition was leaked. It introduced a new boot screen featuring the same Betta fish as the default Windows 7 Beta wallpaper, which
11440-511: Was leaked on April 12, 2011. It was the first build where the title of a window was written centered instead of aligned to the left. It was also probably the first appearance of the Metro-style font, and its wallpaper had the text shhh. let's not leak our hard work . However, its detailed build number reveals that the build was created on September 22, 2010. The leaked copy was Enterprise edition, with other editions leaking later. In 2020, it
11550-537: Was leaked online on various Chinese and BitTorrent websites. On May 31, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview was released to the public by Microsoft. Major items in the Release Preview included the addition of Sports, Travel, and News apps, along with an integrated variant of Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer . Like the Developer Preview and the Consumer Preview, the release preview expired on January 15, 2013. On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200 )
11660-527: Was leaked online, followed by leaks of the final versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise a few days later. On August 15, 2012, Windows 8 was made available to download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers, and was made available to Software Assurance customers on August 16, 2012. It was made available for students with a DreamSpark Premium subscription on August 22, 2012, earlier than advertised. Windows 8 became generally available for retail purchase on October 26, 2012. Relatively few changes were made from
11770-572: Was more expensive but could be installed on computers without an eligible OS or none at all, was discontinued. In lieu of a full version, a specialized "System Builder" SKU was introduced. The "System Builder" replaced the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) SKU, which was only allowed for use on PCs meant for resale but added a "Personal Use License" exemption that officially allowed its purchase and personal use by users on homebuilt computers . Retail distribution of Windows 8 has since been discontinued in favor of Windows 8.1 . Unlike Windows 8, 8.1
11880-776: Was removed in favor of heightened kernel stability, GPU scheduling performance and security. The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are higher than those of Windows 7 . The CPU must support the Physical Address Extension (PAE), NX bit , and SSE2 . Windows Store apps require a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher to run; a resolution of 1366×768 or higher is required to use the snap functionality. To receive certification, Microsoft requires candidate x86 systems to resume from standby in 2 seconds or less. Microsoft's Connected Standby specification, which hardware vendors may optionally comply with, sets new power consumption requirements that are higher than
11990-508: Was significantly larger than the US$ 200 million campaign used to promote Windows 95 . As part of its campaign, Microsoft set up 34 pop-up stores inside malls to showcase the Surface product line, and provided training for retail employees in partnership with Intel . In an effort to make retail displays of Windows 8 devices more "personal" by exemplifying real-world usage, Microsoft developed
12100-505: Was the first Windows version to support ARM architecture under the Windows RT branding. CPUs without PAE , SSE2 and NX are unsupported in this version. Windows 8 received a mostly negative reception. Although the reaction to its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface was widely criticized as confusing and unintuitive, especially when used with
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