Microsoft started work on what is going to be released as Windows 8 for ARM before Apple's iPad had even been launched, according to corporate VP Dan'l Lewin.



From Techradar:

Speaking to TechRadar, Lewin suggested that the tile layout which will be a major new feature in Windows 8 on tablet devices, has not been informed by Apple's successful iPad. "Think about when the planning started for what you saw just the other day; all the planning, the intent, the interface design work was done before the iPad hit the market," said Lewin. "We know where we're going - we just have to get there faster."

  Windows 8 UI was being planned before Apple's iPad launched