Windows 8, Microsoft’s latest operating system optimised for tablets, has apps at its heart thanks to a radically different user interface and the introduction of an app store for the platform.

The Windows 8 ‘Metro’ touchscreen interface – revealed at the BUILD developer conference – is similar to Windows Phone 7 with live tiles providing quick access to apps and information on those currently in use.

Windows 8 also ties different apps together, meaning pictures accessed via different apps – such as Facebook and Flickr – can be quickly selected and grouped together to be sent by email, for example.

The Windows Store will offer apps designed for the Metro interface and support apps built on different programming languages, including Javascript, HTML and CSS.

As the OS will be able to run on ARM-based chipsets – as used in Apple’s iPad, Android tablets and HP’s TouchPad – existing apps designed for Intel-based chips will need to be tweaked in order to work on the AIM technology.

Windows 8 also has a lower memory footprint than Windows 7 which Microsoft claims will give apps access to more processing power than previously.