Windows 8 Free Preview Now Available, Comes with Xbox Live Functionality

Mentioned today via Major Nelson’s blog (and a number of other Microsoft social networks) was the consumer preview for Windows 8. Along with it comes the Xbox Live component of the new Windows Operating System.

Within the preview, you’ll be able to access certain parts of the Xbox Live experience, particularly the Xbox Live Marketplace – including games, video, music, and Xbox companion apps. While these applications are samples of what the full software will look like in the final stages, it offers a good sense of what to expect when Windows 8 arrives.

This consumer preview is now free to download for the public and Microsoft is actively encouraging you to give it a try.

If you’d like to see more of the XBL functionality in action, check out some of the screenshots posted on the Major Nelson Flickr feed. If you’re ready to try out the preview, you can do so by visiting the Windows 8 website.

Don’t even start with me Mac guys, I know you just got OS Mountain Lion. GET OFF MY BACK.

[via Major Nelson]