Windows 8 Surfaces in NDA Presentation
It is about time that we are learning a bit more about the next Windows: An Italian website has obtained the slides of what appears to be a presentation that was given by Microsoft under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
There aren't many new features discussed, but it appears to be clear that Microsoft is taking clues from Apple in creating a much stronger brand value and perception "people will pay for." There are several slides that are reminiscent of traditional Apple ideas and there is one slide that explicitly analyzes Apple's OS strategy.
As far as new features are concerned, there will be an App Store that will enable the user to run apps in full screen and download any apps that may get lost because of a system crash. Microsoft plays with the idea to use facial recognition for user logons and store at least some user data in the cloud - to enable the PC to sign on to websites and services automatically. This seems to be an idea that is based on Chrome OS - with the addition of facial recognition support.
Microsoft believes it is time to use this feature as cameras will be ubiquitous in PCs 2012. Should we take this as a hint that Windows 8 could be surfacing in 2012? Possibly, since Windows 7 has been on the market since 2009 and Windows 8 is apparently already distributed as M2 release. We would say that a beta release in late 2011 or early 2012 is more than likely. The slides can be found here. Screenshots of Windows 8 M2 are posted here.
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Douglas Perry was a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering semiconductors, storage technology, quantum computing, and processor power delivery. He has authored several books and is currently an editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
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tim sutton I'd hate to appear all conservative republican and scared of change or anything, but do we actually need Windows 8 anytime soon? I genuinely enjoy using Windows 7 :/Reply
I'm sure there are valid reasons for upgrading in 12 months time, but I don't know what they are. Help me out, people. -
imrul if 7 hasnt given u problems, u probably wont upgrade til after 8 is out for 6 months to a year... early buyers would be manufacturers and those building a new system...Reply -
joelmartinez I'll upgrade to 8 if it's significantly better, or at least a bit better, actually I'll definitely upgrade to 8 I can probably get a real cheap professional copy from a university friendReply -
joytech22 Guys you need to remember Windows 8 is designed for ARM systems primarily.Reply
I don't think it will work on x86 processors. -
Alsone Cloud is the 1 reason that will ever stop me upgrading from Windows 7.Reply
I'm simply not willing to store data or share my pc over the net. -
96stangman joytech22Guys you need to remember Windows 8 is designed for ARM systems primarily.I don't think it will work on x86 processors.It has support for ARM that doesn't mean it wont work with x86.Reply -
descendency tim suttonI'd hate to appear all conservative republican and scared of change or anything, but do we actually need Windows 8 anytime soon? I genuinely enjoy using Windows 7 I'm sure there are valid reasons for upgrading in 12 months time, but I don't know what they are. Help me out, people.Reply
If you saw how many security issues an OS has 3 months after launch let alone 3 years, you would beg for it to be here tomorrow.