7 copies of Windows 7 are sold every seven seconds so Windows will probably be in no rush to get Windows 8 out into the market place. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not starting to think about a new OS and that we can’t get excited about what to expect. Leaked presentation slides and images regarding the possible features of Windows 8 have emerged and it looks like Windows are going all out in making the computer of the future.
Unsurprisingly there’s talk of improved start-up and wake-up times to near instantaneous, plus higher-speed USB and Bluetooth.
Some of the most interesting features include a “push button reset” that automatically resets Windows to factory condition while leaving all the user’s files in place and plans for a “Windows app store.”
Despite the popularity of Windows which holds a 95% share in the computer market, it seems they are not going to lie down and let Apple take a big chunk of their business.
There’s a clear sense that Windows are keeping a close eye on Apple. There’s talk of touch-screen devices similar to the iPad, (as mentioned) possibility of a Windows app store and one of the leaked images even directly references Apple. A slide titled “How Apple Does It: A Virtuous Cycle,” talks about the need for simplicity in design. “Apple brand is known for high quality, uncomplicated, ‘it just works,'” the slide says, adding that “This is something people will pay for!”
At last high quality, uncomplicated Windows!
Using software developed for the Xbox 360 Kinect, Windows 8 PC could automatically detect when the user is sitting in front of the computer and log them. Windows also seem keen on making use of voice command features.
Analysts predict that Microsoft’s current roadmap says we should expect Windows 8 in 2012 which fits in with the face recognition slide which claim that camera integration will be with us round about that time too. Roll on 2012!
Via Engadget