Sunday, September 11, 2011
Leaked documents detailing Microsoft’s
initial thoughts on the development of Windows 8 have surfaced on the internet.
The PowerPoint presentation, apparently aimed at an HP executive and dated
April 2010, suggested that facial recognition for log in and compatibility with
a range of new computers and tablets could be a key part of the forthcoming
product.
The original leak has since been taken down, but a number of
bloggers such as Microsoft Kitchen provide analysis and screenshots.
Other key features included a focus on improving start-up
times, which have previously been cited by consumer groups as a cause of
frustration, as well as an easy way to reset PCs to their default settings
without deleting users’ information.
The software will also build on Microsoft’s current
Marketplace and turn it into a more fully fledged App Store. The forthcoming
Internet Explorer 9 is also mention as integral to the new ideas.
Although all the information is thought to represent
Microsoft’s first thoughts about Windows 8, it demonstrates that the new
operating system is at a stage where the company can begin sharing its ideas
with PC partners. There is no indication of user interface changes, although
there is a picture of an all-in-one PC. This is thought to be for illustrative
purposes only, however.
Windows 8 is expected to be released in 2012 but Microsoft declined to comment.
