14 DAY TRIAL // In early June, Redmond-based software giant Microsoft will make available for download a new version of its upcoming Windows 8 operating system, namely the Release Preview.
The company has already confirmed plans on the matter, yet it did not unveil specific details on when the launch will take place.
However, it appears that it has already started to make the necessary preparations to bring the new platform release to its users.
Thus, the software giant started to update some of the applications that have been included by default in the previous Windows 8 milestones, such as the Mail, Calendar, People, and Messaging app, along with Photos and Reader.
The Windows 8 Release Preview is expected to arrive with a variety of UI changes packed inside, as well as with performance enhancements, and these are reflected by said apps as well.
A recent article on The Verge notes that said updated applications are available in the latest internal builds of Windows 8, and that they include UI improvements and new features, among others.
Moreover, it appears that Microsoft has decided to remove the "app preview" banner from the top of each of these applications.
First seen in Windows 8 Consumer Preview, these are samples of apps developed entirely in the new Metro style, and they are meant to replace full Windows Live desktop apps.
In the web version of the Windows Store, these apps are listed as updated on May 15th to “support the latest Windows 8 changes.” Moreover, the Reader app is listed as being a version specifically designed for the Windows 8 Release Preview.
Those who haven’t had the chance to have a look at these applications can head over to Windows Store to learn more on what they have to offer. The Mail, Calendar, People, and Messaging app can be found via this link, the Pictures app is available here, while the Reader can be found on this page.
Of course, users can also get a firsthand experience with these apps through downloading and installing the Consumer Preview version of Windows 8, available on Softpedia via this link.
