Microsoft unveils Windows 8 OS with an eye to taking on the iPad

New software will run across tablets, laptops and desktop computers, and looks much more like Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft took the wrappers off its Windows 8 operating system last night, promising that it would run across a range of devices, including desktop and laptop computers, but also tablets.

The UI is clearly influenced by Microsoft's work on Windows Phone 7, with a tile-based Start screen and live notifications within those tiles, as well as a big focus on 'apps' and multi-tasking.

"Although the new user interface is designed and optimized for touch, it works equally well with a mouse and keyboard. Our approach means no compromises — you get to use whatever kind of device you prefer, with peripherals you choose, to run the apps you love," writes Microsoft's corporate VP of Windows Experience Julie Larson-Green.

She goes into more details on those apps too. "Windows 8 apps use the power of HTML5, tapping into the native capabilities of Windows using standard JavaScript and HTML to deliver new kinds of experiences. These new Windows 8 apps are full-screen and touch-optimized, and they easily integrate with the capabilities of the new Windows user interface," explains Larson-Green.

"Apps can add new capabilities to Windows and to other apps, connecting with one another through the new interface. For example, we showed today how a developer can extend the file picker control to enable picking from their own app content or from within another Windows 8 app, in addition to the local file system and the network. We’re just getting started."