Jun 2, 2011 06:13 GMT  ·  By

The first official preview of Windows 8, the forthcoming major iteration of the Windows client, is here.

Microsoft demonstrated the next generation of Windows, internally code-named “Windows 8” at both D9 and Computex events, with a focus on the flavor of the operating system designed for emerging form factors, such as slates or Tablet PCs.

Make sure to watch the video embedded at the bottom of this article, and get an idea of what the Windows 8 tablet experience will be like when the platform is released next year.

“Windows 8 is a reimagining of Windows, from the chip to the interface. A Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse,” revealed Julie Larson-Green, corporate vice president, Windows Experience.

“The demo showed some of the ways we’ve reimagined the interface for a new generation of touch-centric hardware. Fast, fluid and dynamic, the experience has been transformed while keeping the power, flexibility and connectivity of Windows intact.”

So essentially, the video embedded below features a demo of the new Windows 8 graphical user interface, but also so much more.

Before any actual details from Microsoft, the next generation NUI + GUI for Windows 8 was referred to as MoSH (Modern Shell) or Immersive UI.

Larson-Green made no references to the codename or codenames for Windows 8’s UI, but it’s clear from the video that what Microsoft went for is a seamless synergy of natural user interface and graphical user interface.

This is the future as far as I’m concerned, namely UIs that are tailored to the natural user interaction models (in this case multi-touch) rather than old input devices such as the keyboard or mouse.

At the same time, Larson-Green notes that the software giant will continue to support keyboards and mice, even with its NUI + GUI design.

What’s more important to note is that the Windows 8 demos today are focused on tablets, but there will be more traditional releases of the platform designed for computers and existing form factors, which will feature a look and feel related to the current UI style of Windows.

Just posted a new article on some of the changes in Windows 8: Windows 8 Features IE10, Traditional Desktop, App Tiles

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the first preview of Windows 8. Hit me with your opinions - comments section below.

Also, make sure to keep your eyes on Softpedia as additional Windows 8 details will be provided throughout the day.