Windows 8 Release Target Accidentally Leaked

Windows Xp lasted how long and they are already planning on replacing Windows 7? I wonder what that really means.......

I just saw this on Networkworld.com. Considering that Microsoft almost never makes their target dates (especially this far out), I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it would be moved way back. Windows 7 is a great performer and will serve people well for a long time to come. It would be to Microsoft's benefit to really take their time on Windows 8 so as not to end up putting out another Vista.

Microsoft releasing a new windows OS sometimes in the future ... go figure!

I agree.. We are very happy with Windows 7. Microsoft just needs to take a few extra years and get the next one right, then i'll be more willing to part with a few extra hundred bucks for the new one.

Windows 7 is too damn good for a quick replacement. I hope they delay it until it is actually necessary and comes with some drastic changes.

I agree, I can't really see Microsoft trying to replace Windows 7 before 2013. It has been a market success - several businesses and some governmental agencies in my area are making the switch to Windows 7 in the next two months. Word of mouth has been miles beyond the wom for Vista.

What I do see is the incorporation of native SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0 drivers in a future service pack. I had hoped it would be SP1, but as the adoption has been slow and it nears final testing stages, I hope they are in SP2. AMD has already added SATA 6Gb/s and USB3 to many of its boards and Intel is putting out its first in the coming month.

Delays? Blackcomb? Whistler? Longhorn?
Nothing new here...

Well, I jumped from XP to 7, so if this news is true I may do the same by skipping to "Windows 9" (if that's what they end up calling it).
Of course that depends on what new features "Windows 8" is able to deliver.
We'll see...

microsoft seems to make a really good OS on every-other release. they might as well get win 8 out of the way so they can get started on win 9.

bad news for Microsoft if people are use to a longer product cycle, they will have to make some big changes if they want people to move from 7 to 8.
but don't think that windows 7 is the greatest, Microsoft might have a few aces up its sleeve that will make windows 7 look like XP.

I wonder what they can improve in NHL 2012, so don't ask me what can they improve/add to windows 8 ...

Windows XP RIP

You served me well..

Windows 8 will suck based on the history of Micro$oft OS releases.

I'll be waiting for Windows 9 !!

Windows 8 release target has been pretty common knowledge. Unless it's horribly delayed, I think everyone expects it to come out in about two years... probably late 2012. That's probably when I'll buy my next computer. Hopefully my current one will last. My graphics card died last week.

A two year product cycle just isn't going to cut. Look at all the complaints from Vista users over the short cycle to W7. Then factor in the fact that in the enterprise market, which is MS's major concern, XP is still the dominant OS. W7 is catching on and is a hot item but many at the enterprise level are still waiting and they aren't big on early adoption so there is no way they'd skip W7 with a SP or two to go to W8.

IMO I'd like to see some major UI and shell changes for W8/W9 but I doubt it would happen only because that means some major risk that MS isn't likely to take on. If anything I see them going to go the cloud with W8 and pushing it as more of a 'home' OS that's dumbed down and even more 'user friendly' and less power user oriented than W7 or XP have been.

Dear Microsoft,
We need a totally new OS, not a remake of windows 7 and Vista.
Thanks but Take your time.
we are not in hurry, Windows seven is fine.

A lot of people are going to disagree but I hope microsoft move away from 32 bit and go 64 bit native.

i hope they replaces the crappy NTFS file system

Microsoft won't stray TOO far from their windows roots. The main reason windows sells is compatibility. If they break that, there would be no good reason to stay with windows instead of going with linux or even gizoogle's OS for free.

If Microsoft is making a lot of money with Win7 I wouldn't be surprised to see Win8 slip a year or more.

There has to be a reasonto upgrade the OS other than because of some arbitrary timeline. People use computers to run software, not just to marvel at a shiny new OS.

Meh...

If I do like I did in going from XP to 7, they'll be on Windows 9 before I upgrade again! It seems every other new version is the way to go when it comes to Windows.

I'm looking forward to Windows 8. I want to see where they go with the cloud, especially after the recent Balmer interview. I'd be expecting 8 to be pretty ambitious (which could be a really good or really bad thing).

Great, then I can skip Windows Vista, and 7 altogether!
going straight from XP to Win8!

Windows 8 will be more on SSD drive.

Nothing wrong with Windows 7.

Microsoft, take your time with Windows 8 and make sure it actually adds something new to the PC experience (Vista was a complete redesign of Windows compared to XP. Windows 7 will last a while so you got time up your sleeves

So Windows 8 = Windows 7 SP2?

I would like to see 64 bit only. Time to phase out 32 bit!