Windows 7 is the here and now, and we're liking it. If you ask Microsoft about what's next, it'll say that Windows 7 SP1 is will be the next step, it's happening later this year. But what we really want to know about is what the real next step is, and that's Windows 8.
Leaked onto the internet and now spread through many news sites is a presentation deck on Windows 8. Microsoft Kitchen successfully nabbed most of them and are now keeping them online for all to see. The information contained is mostly high-level and conceptual, likely dating back to even before Windows 7's retail release – but it's still very interesting to see what Microsoft's goals and inspirations are for Windows 8.
One that might irk the fanboy base is that Microsoft is taking a page from Apple in how the Mac maker is able to keep its customers so loyal and satisfied.
Another big goal for Windows 8 is instant-on, cutting down on the wait between powering on and the user being able to access the information or functionality that he or she is waiting for. This includes both faster boot times and faster resume from sleep.
One method to speed up boot time is to move from a traditional shutdown state to a logoff + hibernate. Microsoft wants this to feel like a regular shutdown, but it uses hibernation methods to cache most of the core system, such as drivers and system services. Microsoft estimates that this could cut boot times in half.
The login process will be simplified too, especially for those who aren't fond of using passwords to get into Windows. If there is a webcam present, the system will use that in conjunction with facial recognition software to log the user in without a password.
Another new development (which we assume won't be used in conjunction with the facial login) is user accounts being stored in the cloud. This could potentially mean that a user's bookmarks and Windows settings could be stored remotely at Microsoft and could be consistent even on other people's computers. Right now the data demands would be too high to have all user data stored in the cloud, but this could be the first step in Microsoft's desire to make Windows more user-centric and less machine-centric.
