The BUILD convention (held this week in Anaheim, California) is Windows 8's coming out party. Although information nuggets about Microsoft's upcoming operating system have been released over the last few weeks and months (both as official statement and as Web whispers), BUILD is where the computing world was introduced to Windows 8.

Windows 8 represents the most radical change to Microsoft's operating system in quite a long time--perhaps ever. The OS features a number of new additions and improvements, ranging from a fresh "Metro" interface that was heavily inspired my Redmond's Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system, to one of the most talked about changes: Compatibility with non-Intel-powered architectures which makes it capable of running on ARM-based computing devices.

Despite the big reveals at the BUILD conference, Microsoft has been tight-lipped regarding when Windows 8 will ship, how much the operating system will cost, or if it will come in several different editions similar to Windows 7. The general consensus, however, is that Windows 8 will launch in fall 2012, which is a timeframe based on off-the-cuff executive statements and leaked schedules. In addition, Windows 7 launched about a year after its 2008 PDC debut, so a fall 2012 timetable isn't unreasonable.

We've got hands-on with Windows 8's developer's build, and unboxed a Samsung Windows Developer Preview PC. Take a look at eight of Windows ' most noteworthy new additions in our slideshow below, and feel free to leave your thoughts on Microsoft's latest operating system in the comment section.