Check out the following video demonstration which shows some of these improvements.
In previous version of Windows we are presented with several dialog boxes. Windows 8 aims to reduce these dialog boxes by combining the processes into one. You can manage your operations individually by pausing one transfer to speed another transfer.
You can even view a detailed graph which shows the speeds and rates at which copying is progressing so you can decide which one to pause.
The other improvement is conflict resolution, which allows you to choose what to do when you are overwriting a file with a new one. You can opt to look at all the files you are replacing and make individual changes as you see fit.
Microsoft is set on delivering the best Windows experience to date. Keep in mind that Windows 8 is set to take on tablet devices as well, so it will have to be fast enough to be considered a competitor to the iPad.