In order to clear up some of the confusion regarding the user interface for the forthcoming Windows 8 operating system, Microsoft’s Windows Chief Steven Sinofsky posted a new blog that reiterates that the OS will support both traditional applications that utilize the keyboard and mouse as well as touch-based apps. The touch-based apps will use a new “Metro” interface that resembles Windows Phone 7. “If you want to, you can seamlessly switch between Metro style apps and the improved Windows desktop,” wrote Sinofsky. “On the other hand, if you prefer to immerse yourself in only Metro style apps (and platform) and the new user experience, you can do that as well! Developers can target the APIs that make sense for the software they wish to deliver.”
More details about Windows 8 and which developer tool platforms it will support will likely be revealed at Microsoft’s Build Conference in September.