Just as you were getting comfortable with Windows 7, Windows 8 seems to be on the horizon for the next two years. Celebrating the one-year anniversary of Windows 7— the fastest-selling OS in history—Microsoft’s Dutch website briefly mentioned its successor:
“Microsoft is on course for the next version of Windows. But it will take about two years before 'Windows 8' hits the market.” Winrumors.com translated and captured this post, and CNET took a screenshot of the text, which unsurprisingly disappeared after making headlines. Now, Microsoft is back to being tight-lipped about Windows 8 and its expected release.
Reports from last year suggested Microsoft was developing a 128-bit version of its OS, likely to be Windows 8. Recently, NetworkWorld obtained over 15 confidential slide decks detailing possible features, including body-sensing technology similar to the Xbox Kinect, a desktop app store like Apple’s forthcoming Mac App Store, near-instant CPU booting, and a focus on powering tablets.
However, by the time Windows 8 supposedly launches, Microsoft will have to contend with Apple’s latest OS. Apple recently previewed Mac OS X Lion—a blend of OS X and Apple’s mobile iOS—which includes enticing features like a desktop app store, advanced multitouch gestures, and more.
If Microsoft is strategic, it might emulate—and perhaps even surpass—all of OS X Lion's key features. Conversely, rushing the product could result in another Vista-like failure.
Microsoft is working on its new operating system, Windows 8, reportedly set for a 2012 release. Leaks focus on it being a 128-bit version of Windows with facial recognition software. Windows 8 will also supposedly offer a software license that follows you across devices and Windows apps, with a shorter boot time. Enhanced security would include a reset option without erasing personalized settings and files.
While all that sounds promising for 2012, what about the 240 million Windows 7 licenses sold worldwide? You may need new equipment to take advantage of Windows 8 because its advanced features will require significant memory and processing power. But is the world ready to invest heavily in new desktops, especially when many have predicted the desktop PC's demise?
While Steve Jobs claims the PC is dead, desktops remain more cost-effective, dependable, and less troublesome for IT managers than mobile devices. Employees are accustomed to them, trust them, and find them comfortable. While some may be excited by the idea of wearable or handheld devices for work, most people prefer the reliability of desktop PCs.
Nevertheless, the mobile market has outpaced the desktop market in innovation. Rumors suggest Microsoft is trying to capture some of this innovation from Apple, which revolutionized mobile devices with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
Can Microsoft offer something for the desktop PC, its staple for the past decade, as well as for mobile devices? Will Microsoft finally create a tablet that operates effectively on a mobile platform?
Perhaps we should be more excited about a new Windows Mobile 8, which would run on tablets and smartphones and integrate well with Windows 8. This system should incorporate the best aspects of Windows 7, allowing for seamless integration between mobile and desktop platforms and document sharing with the click of a mouse. Microsoft has nearly achieved this with Office 365, which offers a single sign-in for multiple applications and mobile access to documents and emails.
Businesses need Microsoft to make Windows 8 easier and more cost-effective to manage across all devices. While facial recognition software and touchscreen tablets sound appealing, most business owners want a simple, secure way to manage their machines and networks while staying connected to everything. Although this may seem contradictory, it’s a consumer demand that won’t be ignored.
