[Download] Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview and peek into the Future

Microsoft windows 8 Release Preview (RP) is now available for download. You can have it officially from Microsoft to take a look at what you really can expect from the final release. Although the RP is not stable enough to throw it directly to your live computer, you can test it - if you can't keep yourself away from experiencing it once.

Windows 8 RP, boasts some shiny new features, improved apps and more polish to the whole buggy experience in Consumer Preview launched in Feburary 2012.

Microsoft is re-inventing Windows. Windows 8 radically alters the experience with a highly visual interface called Metro. Metro is loaded with rectangular iconography that maintains a consistent look and experience across apps — and it also happens to be ideal for touchscreens, like tablets.

It has already been revealed that Final release of Win8 will have 9 different versions (or names), unlike windows 7, which has 6.

With the Release Preview, Windows 8 enters its final stretch toward release, ready or not. There’s clearly lots of polish here, and Microsoft has good reason to be proud. One great example: In addition to the many features I’ve outlined here, the RP adds the ability for Wi-Fi passwords to travel with your Windows Live ID. That means if you ever borrow your friend’s Windows tablet or switch machines, you won’t have to input the network passwords for your home router, local coffee shop, etc. It’s a nice convenience that I hope is stolen by Android and iOS quickly.

Nonetheless, I’m still bothered by some of the basic interface issues (like the inconsistent scrolling). Windows isn’t just the OS for work machines — about 90% of the world’s computers run it. That means this thing has to be idiot-proof, or users will hurry to exit Metro for the traditional desktop.

That would be a shame, since there’s a lot to love in Metro; it just needs a perfectionist’s touch. There’s still time. Windows 8 may be close to the finish line, but whether or not it scores a win probably depends more on what happens in the next few months than even Microsoft thinks.

You can Download it from Microsoft's website or CNET's Download.com.