Leaked: Microsoft's Windows Blue

Windows Blue includes new gestures, apps

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 25, 2013 11:22 AM CDT

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Leaked: Microsoft's Windows Blue — A man walks on the Microsoft headquarters campus Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in Redmond, Wash. Microsoft Corp. said Thursday it is cutting 5,000 jobs over the next 18 months, a sign of how badly even the biggest and richest companies are being stung by the recession. The layoffs appear to be a first for... (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

The next version of Windows isn't due on shelves until later in the year, but eager customers can already get a look at a leaked version of it: A partner version of Windows Blue has been making the rounds on file-sharing sites, the Verge reports. It looks a lot like Windows 8, but offers a number of adjustments. Among them: smaller tile arrangements on the Start screen, more color choices, and enhanced Snap Views, which allow users to stick up to four apps side-by-side.

The operating system now supports new gestures for touch devices, too. Swiping upward from the bottom of the Start screen delivers a list of all your apps, while up or down swiping in desktop mode offers an app bar. The basic Windows 8 controls known as Charms are also getting an update. The system comes with Internet Explorer 11, along with a range of new apps. The Verge has plenty of screenshots. (More Windows 8 stories.)

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