Windows 8 looks a lot like Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft has primed potential users by releasing a sneak peek of the forthcoming Windows 8, as it’s named now but that may change. The newer, sleeker version of Windows resembles their current smartphone OS Windows Phone 7. The brightly colored boxes containing useful applications seem to promise a fun, whimsical experience. You can expect Microsoft to include all the great features that makes Windows what it is and include some newer applications that help keep us connected to our social media.

The Windows 8 operating system will be rolled out for tablet PCs as well as standard personal computing devices like desktops and laptops. The application boxes give me the feel that this would be a better swipe and tap system than a double mouse click system. The boxes scream for interaction that can’t be felt through a mouse-click. They need the touchscreen of a smartphone or tablet to bring them to life.

Microsoft will ask application developers to start designing apps for the new OS. It’s always exciting to see what kind of apps the creative minds can churn out for a new release like this. If you have those favorite programs that you love to run or need for work, have no fear, Microsoft will make sure all those things run on Windows 8. If you feel the need to send a tweet while creating an Excel spreadsheet, that will be no problem.

The new version is still under development and there is no current release date but that doesn’t stop the speculation that Windows 8, or whatever they decide to name it, will be released next year. No matter when it is released, proponents will hail it the next big thing in personal computing and detractors will certainly see it as an attempt to copy Apple and follow them into the tablet market.

At this point all we can do is wait and see. You will get a chance to have your say once it is released. Until it is, we can only keep you updated on any developments.

DirectDeals will do our best to keep you aware of any updates or related information on Windows 8.