Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Just as Windows Phone 7’s “touch-only” interface threw away the past to create a streamlined, more approachable experience, Microsoft is creating a “touch-first” experience for Windows 8 that has more in common with its new phone software than previous versions of Windows. This “Metro-style” UI will be able to run on virtually any modern PC, with screens from 10- to 30-inches and above. The touch interface will be only occasionally relevant on desktops, though, more so on laptops. Where it’s obviously meant to shine is on pure slates — will consumers really flock to Windows 8 for such slates, though?

Continue reading Switched On: The great slate debate of Windows 8

Switched On: The great slate debate of Windows 8 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST.