When Microsoft released Windows 7 back in the latter stages of 2009, it was pretty much well received from users and critics alike. This was especially good news for the company following the lukewarm reception its predecessor Windows Vista got. Now thoughts are turning to the next version of the Windows operating system, and the Windows 8 consumer preview offers seamless integration.

The company has announced the availability of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, and is ready for download. This is being promised to offer users a better experience for testing the upcoming operating system, and as an article on The Nation is reporting it will be available for the largest range of people so far, and comes after the Developer Preview was downloaded over three million times late last year.

According to Steven Sinofsky from the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, Windows 8 will offer different ways for users to “interact with their PC”, and would an experience shared whether it was on a laptop or a Windows 8 tablet.

At a recent event in Barcelona, Spain the company revealed some new updates with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which included some changes and enhancements to the user experience to touch, keyboard and mouse. There is also the beta opening of the Windows Store that features a number of new Metro style applications, which are from Microsoft and third-party developers.

The applications are available to users at no cost to try out, and will also offer personalized recommendations. Users will also be able to take these apps across multiple PCs, which will make it easier to try them out and allow developers to have the best opportunity of any platform.

Microsoft is also promising the Windows 8 Consumer Preview offers users seamless integration with their content. Using an additional sign-on with a Microsoft account will provide users access to a number of different features, which includes the ability to communicate with email, use cloud storage, use contacts and calendar, and much more.

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is available to users in English, German, French, Chinese, and Japanese languages. To download and to find out more information head here.

Have you downloaded the Windows 8 Consumer Preview?