Microsoft’s new desktop operating system, Windows 8, is all set to hit the retail market on October 26. Meanwhile, the Redmond based IT giant has recently released Windows 8 for manufacturers and developers specifically, with a version called Windows 8 RTM (Release to Manufacturing). Earlier, there was a release preview available for free downloading. The release preview received accolades from critics and users alike, all across the globe. The new OS is optimized for touch devices, though the traditional desktop users will find it equally suitable.
Windows 8 aims to re-define the experience of desktop computing. Thus, if you are already using Windows based computer, you can go ahead and download the Windows 8 RTM build that Microsoft has recently released to subscribers of MSDN and TechNet. The OS is still under development and has grabbed sufficient foothold in its testing and development phase. No doubt, it has set the whole industry to speculate as to what other new features the OS will bring about in its final release.
How can you enable Touchpad Gestures on Windows 8?
Laptop users who have downloaded the Windows 8 RTM (release to manufacturing) will notice that the OS does not support gestures meant for the integrated touchpads that come with notebooks. During the initial phase of development, Microsoft has introduced Elan alpha drivers with Windows 8. However, the current RTM edition seems to lack these drivers. Touch gestures are quite useful on laptops and desktops and would continue to be the same on the new operating system. Using Windows 8 without this gesture would not complete the experience.
Microsoft has stated that they are in the process of developing the Elan and would come up with updated drivers for Windows 8 to incorporate gestures on laptop touchpads. Till then, users can utilize the Synaptics Windows 7 drivers for activating the touch gesture on Windows 8. It has been demoed by Microsoft that Synaptics works fine with Windows 8.
You can also check out the Synaptics website which contains a list of drivers that are compatible with all the versions from Windows 95 to Windows 7. However, the essential drivers required on Windows 8 are not available. Nevertheless, you can opt for some of the Windows 7/Vista/XP drivers to work on Windows 8. Synaptics also has a control panel that helps users enable individual gestures.
One of the representatives of Microsoft has reported about the company’s serious initiative to come up with drivers that would be officially allotted for Windows 8. These drivers will work together with Elan and will be specific to Windows 8 only. However no detail is available currently as to when these drivers will be launched. Users can expect Synaptics Windows 7 drivers to do the job till then.
Windows 8 is a unified operating system that provides multi-platform support to all devices. However, from the tile based interface and other touch optimizations, there remains no doubt that Windows 8’s chief target is the touch devices. Microsoft aims to penetrate the budding tablet and smartphone market with this new operating system. Windows 8 is expected to provide lots of new features for desktops and laptops, touch gestures being an important one among them.
Hi! I am Brook M. Perry, a prolific blog writer and keen author of articles related to tech support and solution for issues related to computers and mobile devices. Being associated with the reputed remote pc support service provider Qresolve, I have resolved thousands of tech issues for our customers from worldwide. It is made possible with the mix of my academic and professional acumen in technologies and IT environment coupled with my dedication and passion to provide quick remote computer support. My areas of interest are virus removal, PC security, endpoint security system, router support etc. You can follow me for my useful computer support articles on Ezine and other article-oriented websites.