Microsoft overhauled several foundational stacks with Windows 8, including the networking API that has grown more sophisticated and gives developers access to things like 3G networks. Windows task manager got a facelift, too, and now offers many more monitoring features such as a graphical presentation of processes, stats on how much network bandwidth and battery life individual apps and Live Tiles consume. Microsoft also tossed in a suite of benchmarking tools from its labs, known as Windows Assessment Console, which will compare one PC's performance against others.

Additionally, Microsoft previewed its Windows Store, which will provide a central repository for Metro-style Windows 8 apps as well as Windows 7 apps. Microsoft hinted that it would not charge developers a percentage to host apps in this store.

Sinofsky and his team also demonstrated Internet Explorer 10, all dressed up in a new Metro-style interface. Using the Metro screen, written in HTML5/Javascript, IE10 supports full-screen browsing and multi-touch. It can also be used in its traditional desktop version view and supports use of a keyboard and keyboard shortcuts.

Upcoming versions of development tools such as Expression Blend were demoed as well. Expression Blend will graduate from being a XAML editor to becoming a full HTML editor, too. The new development tools allow developers to easily post their apps to the Windows store and monitor the progress of the app as it travels through the technology review and approval process.

The crowd was pretty well enamored with Windows 8. And as a final wow factor, Microsoft gave away to 5,000 attendees special Windows 8 Samsung developer tablets. These 11.6-inch tablets run Intel i5 processors, with 4G of DDR3 memory and a 64G solid state drive. They were preloaded with the Windows 8 developer version, and developer tools. The units support the pen digitizer, a docking station with dual-monitor, Ethernet and USB 3.0 and included one-year access to AT&T's 3G network (2GB/month).