Windows 8 virtual keyboard now resizable in pre-beta builds

By Tom Warren, on 19th Dec 11 10:43 pm with 23 Comments

Microsoft is preparing a number of improvements for its Windows 8 beta, due in late February.

One feature is the new and improved touch keyboard. The software giant previously revealed the standard, split and pen input modes for the keyboard in Windows 8 earlier this year. Pre-beta builds of Windows 8 include a new feature to resize the virtual keyboard. Winunleaked posted screenshots of the new feature on Monday.

Windows 8 virtual keyboard size changes

Little is known about the feature set of Microsoft’s Windows 8 beta. Recently leaked screenshots indicate that Microsoft will allow users to change the Start Screen color and the Start Screen background image in beta copies of Windows 8. Microsoft has previously detailed some other minor improvements to the Windows 8 beta. Users will be able to create, name and rearrange Start Screen groups as well as navigate with the Windows 8 Apps screen in a better way. Microsoft is planning to group applications to make it easier for users to identify them in Windows 8 beta. Windows Media Center will also return to Windows 8 beta alongside the typical Windows games, DVD creator and .NET 3.5. All were missing from the developer preview, made available in September.

For more information on Windows 8 check out our dedicated section or the latest news below.

 

  • https://profiles.google.com/christopher.gull/ CG

    3…2…1… *appears in iOS5.whatever*

    • Seth_p

      lol no kidding!

    • http://twitter.com/pierrerv Pierre Venescar

      Dude, Microsoft showed that feature way before iOS5 came out. Remember the first time they showed win8 on All things D?

    • TheReal

      They meant that Apple tends to copy allot of other peoples innovations and claims that they invented it. Its an attempt at sarcasm. But it could have been more clearer

    • https://profiles.google.com/christopher.gull/ CG

      Actually, it wasn’t even sarcasm, it was a kudos to reality that Apple take the good ideas and make them shiny, while all the function does is exactly the same as that from someone else. And that Apple takes the ideas from its competitors and then probably will sue them.

  • John Mccallum

    55 POINTS BY MICHAEL JORDAN!

  • http://twitter.com/juanda95 David Sánchez

    And everyday, Windows 8 advances more :D .

  • SaidSikiraX

    Does this feature really deserve article?

    • Anonymous

      Yes. Yes it does. 

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1534561747 Evan Wischik

      Boring…I don’t think this needs its own article. Wake me up when something important happens. Like Windows 8 is a solid finished product that’s ready to be sold and used by the public, and there is a selection of equally quality tablets for it to live on. Until then, each day there is no product more and more individuals will become vested to Apple ipad or Android. Once someone invest a certain amount in apps, turning back becomes much more of an investment. Each day, is a loss as far as I am concerned.

  • Generalguy41

    Sort of off topic, but speaking of resizing things, I think that Microsoft should allow Windows 8 Metro apps to be snapped to the center of the screen as well as the smaller portions. Kind of like a Windows Snap feature but… for Metro apps lol.

    • Anonymous

      Doesn’t it already do that? 

    • MizuNoHane

      Actually it doesn’t. There’s just a 1/3:2/3 divide and a 2/3:1/3 divide.

  • Baz

    Will Windows 8 have the option to have the keyboard configured like two arcs, like on the UMPC, which you input using your thumbs? I’ve never used an UMPC but the arc sweep geturing looks very natural.

  • http://my.opera.com/wikipedian Thu Win

    Virtual keyboards on tablets tend to be a pain in the arse since it is flush flat with the screen.  Typing on the flat screen is no joy either as the hand is in an unconfortable position.

  • keyboard

    What website posted this?

  • Impartial

    Tom you are starving us here have you started in the Verge yet? Are you going to write about So.cl?

  • Moosehouse

    I wish there was just a little bit more space in between ever key

  • http://twitter.com/laserfloyd Lewis McCrary

    This was all great and stuff until I took an arrow in the knee!

    Seriously, can’t wait to see beta. :)

    • Penta2100

      #arrowtoknee

    • Zaksousa23

      Um no, the original version of this stupid joke is

      Arow IN the knee

  • Anonymous

    Looks like Apple!

  • Metalman134

    Microsoft has this in their first tablets… like real first tablets lol