In the early hours of August 27th, Beijing time, the American tech news website ZDNet reported that with only two and a half weeks to go before the Microsoft BUILD Conference, two companies have already released previews of their Windows 8 apps. One of these companies is the American newspaper USA Today.
USA Today's design director, Robbie Dillon, posted images of the company’s Windows 8 app and stated:
In preparation for the launch of the Windows 8 operating system, this app was designed with consideration for the touch-first native environment of Windows 8. It retains the shapes and feel of the Windows Metro UI, in order to present USA Today’s content.
It is clear that USA Today wants to release this app at the same time as the launch of the Windows 8 operating system. However, the current images are just prototype designs, and it is likely that there will be changes made to USA Today's Windows 8 app by the time of its official release. Additionally, it is unclear whether USA Today plans to make this app available for download directly on their own website or through the Microsoft app store.
From the images that have been released, USA Today's Windows 8 app appears to be a social application, especially concerning travel-related content. It includes features such as connecting with people around you, quickly sharing files, contacts, and messages with Windows Phone 7 devices, and even watching movies within the app.