Windows 8 Comes to the iPad with Metro Testbed App

iPad users can now get to taste what it might feel like to own a tablet that is running on Windows 8 after a new tool was released for developers. The Win8 Metro Testbed app brings the full experience of the Windows 8 Metro beta OS to the iPad. This includes access to the full range of apps available from the Windows Phone Marketplace and multi-touch gestures.

This app which costs £17.99 ($28.51) which has been developed by Splashtop can be installed and opened. After it opens, the app can remotely stream the OS from any PC that is already running the Windows 8 Consumer Preview which means that you will not have to store the OS on your iPad. The purpose of the app is to free Windows 8 potential users and developers from the keyboard and mouse to allow them to experience firsthand what the Metro UI is capable off.

According to the app developer Splashtop, the full range of Windows 8 gesture controls are on board and they are, swipe from the right for the ‘charms’ menu, swipe from the left to switch apps, pull down from the top to close the app, swipe slowly from the left to run two apps side by side, pinch to do semantic zoom and other gestures which you will apparently be able to learn as you intuitively navigate your way through the OS.

So, if like me, you’re curious about the Metro UI or other elements involved with Windows 8, you could always get the app at the Apple App Store but hurry up because after the introductory period ends, the developer aims to double the price to about $57. Embedded above is a little video demonstrating what the app can do to your iPad. Relax, it won’t hurt the thing.