Windows 8 will not only be more mobile, considering the Metro interface, but now Microsoft has revealed that it will make it easier for users to switch between Windows 8 machines. The operating system will start by logging in with a Windows Live ID, which makes it possible to save many of the settings and programs you have on other machines.
Changing computers is a hasszle since you won’t have the same programs, files and tailored settings. To get around this most browsers worthy of using have functionality to synchronize tabs, settings and bookmarks between computers through an account. This functionality will go even broader in Windows 8.
In Windows 8 you will get the possibility, you don’t have to, log in with a Windows Live ID. To this ID you can then attach lots of personal settings to make it easier to switch between machines and Windows 8 systems. Microsoft lists the main advantages as follows;
- Associate the most commonly used Windows settings with your user account. Saved settings are available when you sign in to your account on any Windows 8 PC. Your PC will be set up just the way you are used to!
- Easily reacquire your Metro style apps on multiple Windows 8 PCs. The app’s settings and last-used state persist across all your Windows 8 PCs.
- Save sign-in credentials for the different apps and websites you use and easily get back into them without having to enter credentials every time.
- Automatically sign in to apps and services that use Windows Live ID for authentication.
In the developer blog Microsoft points out that it is not just settings and user information that can be stored, but also background images, lock screen image, mouse settings and status in other applications that are compatible with the system. The idea is to be able to resume a game or an e-bok on the same level or page when you move between computers. How deep the synchronization runs will be set in the operating system settings.
The idea with synchronized user data between systems is hardly or in any way unique, but that the world’s most used operating system will get broader functionality is of course good news. Those who are worried about their safety or integrity on the Internet Windows 8 will also work great with just local user account that doesn’t upload any information online.
