Microsoft unveils "Windows 8"

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft on Wednesday gave a preview of its next-generation operating system code-named "Windows 8."The software giant introduced the successor to Windows 7 at the ninth edition of The Wall Street Journal's Digital: All Things Digital in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, some 48 km south of Los Angeles.

    With an interface¹ quite different from legacy² Windows, Windows 8 looks more like Windows Phone 7 and features an app management from Windows mobile operating system. It is the first major attempt by Microsoft to expand a mobile operating system to desktop³ status, and is expected to be touch-friendly and work seamlessly on desktops⁴, laptops and tablet computers.

    For legacy Windows users, they need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get to the Windows 7-based view. Microsoft said the new system will be compatible with all Windows 7 logo PCs, software and peripherals.

    During the demonstration⁵, Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft's head of Windows, also said the importance of not abandoning the established technologies from the traditional PC. "The mouse and the keyboard aren't evil. They're just tools. There are a number of applications that require the greater precision offered by the mouse." said Sinofsky.

    Sinofsky did not say when Windows 8 would be available.

    Although there are some tablets running Microsoft's current Windows 7 operating system, the software giant has been criticized for failing to adequately respond to the fast growth of tablet computers, like Apple's iPad.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑)

1 interface   

n.接合部位，分界面；v.(使)互相联系

参考例句：

• My computer has a network interface,which allows me to get to other computers.我的计算机有网络接口可以与其它计算机连在一起。
• This program has perspicuous interface and extensive application. 该程序界面明了，适用范围广。

2 legacy   

n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西

参考例句：

• They are the most precious cultural legacy our forefathers left.它们是我们祖先留下来的最宝贵的文化遗产。
• He thinks the legacy is a gift from the Gods.他认为这笔遗产是天赐之物。

3 desktop   

n.桌面管理系统程序；台式

参考例句：

• My computer is a desktop computer of excellent quality.我的计算机是品质卓越的台式计算机。
• Do you know which one is better,a laptop or a desktop?你知道哪一种更好，笔记本还是台式机？

4 desktops   

桌面( desktop的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• You switch between these virtual desktops by clicking on the one you want to make active. 只需单击你所希望激活的桌面就可以在这些虚拟桌面之间进行切换。 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓
• Laptops outsell desktops for the first time in the United States. 膝上型电脑首次在美国销售量胜过桌上型电脑。

5 demonstration   

n.表明，示范，论证，示威

参考例句：

• His new book is a demonstration of his patriotism.他写的新书是他的爱国精神的证明。
• He gave a demonstration of the new technique then and there.他当场表演了这种新的操作方法。