14 DAY TRIAL // Among the changes that Microsoft reportedly plans for the new Windows 8 operating system, we can count one that reportedly affects the Control Panel.
Apparently, Microsoft is determined to replace the popular Control Panel in Windows 8 with PC Settings, at least this is what recent reports suggest.
We already had the chance to have a look at some of the modifications that Microsoft plans for the desktop client, courtesy of a series of leaked screenshots of Windows 8 Build 8158.
In addition to these, the Redmond-based company is reportedly set to make a series of other changes to the OS as well.
Up until now, the Control Panel folder has been present on all Windows releases, and it comes as a surprise that Microsoft might have decided to take it off.
Chinese website Win8china.com claims that the PC Settings in Windows 8 will bring not only a change in name, but a series of new features as well.
However, the news site did not offer specific info on these new additions, and some even doubt the authenticity of the screenshots they offer as proof, especially since it does not reveal the build number so that we would know where it has been taken from.
Given the fact that Microsoft will push Windows 8 to more devices than before, it would make sense to change the Control Panel to PC Settings, so as to avoid any confusion that might emerge on tablets or the like.
As stated above, this is only one of the changes that Microsoft seems to be currently working on for the new OS flavor.
The Charms Bar is expected to have been modified in the latest Windows 8 builds in preparation for the availability of a beta release, while the position of time and date was changed as well.
Some more details on what Windows 8 has in store for us should emerge tomorrow, when Microsoft is expected to unveil the long-discussed App Store for the platform, and in January at CES, where the company might bring the beta version of the OS.