(Image source: Geeky Gadgets)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Mark your calendars -- Microsoft has issued invitations for a conference for Leap Day, February 29th.

That’s when we’ll get the first look at the test version of Windows 8.

Officially --- Microsoft’s calling it a “consumer preview.”

It used to be this kind of release was called a  beta. But ZDnet says Microsoft doesn’t want to scare away the people it gets its feedback from.

“...the formal label communicates two messages. First, it’s for consumers, not for IT pros and definitely not (just) for enthusiasts. Second, and more important, it’s a preview, not a test version. Microsoft is encouraging real people to download and use this release.”

Microsoft has tweaked its latest OS to make it sync across computers, tablets and phones equally well. But TechCrunch says that’s a subtlety consumers might not notice.
 

“...a renewed focus on getting the OS onto devices with different form factors means that Windows 8 isn’t just a rehash of the same old Microsoft philosophy. Not that the general public would even notice that. They’ll be much to busy poking around with the build’s preloaded apps and games to bother checking under the hood.”

Well, that new Metro interface is pretty shiny. Microsoft’s Jensen Harris talks about the new look.

“We introduced a new platform based on standard web technologies, HTML 5 and Javascript. And it allows millions of developers who know how to use those technologies to create a new kind of app for Windows 8.”

It’s a big visual change, but eWeek reports the familiar desktop hasn’t vanished completely.

“Those who want a more ‘traditional’ Windows experience can flip from that start screen to a desktop interface with a single tap or click.”

But Computerworld says there’s no getting around Microsoft’s focus on the new.

“All the major changes to Windows were done via the new Metro interface that is modeled after Windows Phone 7, and clearly targeted at tablets. The traditional Windows desktop was essentially left on its own and seems an afterthought.”

You’ll may not have to wait long to test the changes yourself. Rumor has it Microsoft will be making the consumer preview available for download immediately after the conference.