Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has faced a "balancing act" in creating a user interface for the Windows 8 OS that works well with both the desktop PC and the tablet, said Steven Sinofsky, Windows and Windows Live division president, in a new blog post.

Users will be able to choose between two different modes of operation in Windows 8: a tile-based interface optimized for touch (similar to the Metro UI found in Windows Phone 7) and a classic Windows desktop suited for existing input devices (external keyboards, mice and trackpads).

"Having both of [the] user interfaces together harmoniously is an important part of Windows 8," wrote Sinofsky.

Users who prefer Metro style apps can opt for only that environment. "Essentially, you can think of the Windows desktop as just another app," says Sinofsky, who elaborated that the desktop code will "not be loaded" if not used.

The blog post has generated hundreds of comments so far, underscoring the intense interest in Windows 8, which is expected to be launched sometime in 2012. The steady stream of information released by Microsoft indicates that it's right on track.

Microsoft is expected to unveil more about Windows 8 at its BUILD 2011 conference, just 11 days away, an event Microsoft promises "will show you that Windows 8 changes everything."

For more:
- check out this blog post at Building Windows 8
- check out this article at eWeek
- check out this article at ZDNet
- check out this article at CIOInsight

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