Microsoft asks for feedback on Windows 8

New blog invites users to help shape Windows 8

Microsoft has asked for feedback and comments from users as part of the development of its new operating system, Windows 8.

In a new blog, Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows division, said that Windows 8 "reimagines" Windows for a new generation of devices.

He added that he wants feedback from the end user as Microsoft drip-feeds information about the new operating system.

"[We want a] two-way dialog about design choices, real-world data and usage, and new opportunities that are part of Windows 8," he said.

The company has previously released a video demonstrating some of the functionality of the new platform, which has been designed to work with touch-screen devices such as most smartphones and tablets, or with the more traditional keyboard and mouse.

It bears similarities to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 system for touch-screen mobile devices in that it uses a tile-based Start screen, which replaces the Windows Start menu, with "live tiles" showing up-to-date information from apps.

"Windows 8 provides that touchy-feely interface to Windows that Microsoft has been attempting for the best part of a decade," said Richard Edwards, principal analyst at Ovum.

"It was in 2001 that Bill Gates demonstrated a pen-based PC using Windows XP, so it's taken a while to get there and Microsoft has always needed stiff competition to come up with new innovative products."

The next major event in the Windows 8 development cycle is is the Build conference in September, where Microsoft will provide developers with more details about the full spectrum of tools and capabilities available to make the most of the platform.