Windows 8 News

Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 Embedded In Job Opening

Martin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:33:44 +0000

Microsoft continues its policy to reveal as little information as possible about upcoming software releases. This change became apparent during the development of Windows 7, and has continued ever since. The lack of information however is a breeding ground for rumors and speculations, which may influence the perception of the public.

First hand sources about Windows 8 are very rare, and those that are available are often not directly related to the development of the operating system. The latest tidbit of information came for a recent job opening posted on the Microsoft Career website. Microsoft is looking for a software engineer for the Windows Embedded team:

The Windows Embedded for Vertical Industries team is looking for an experienced and strong SDET. Our team delivers Windows Embedded toolkit and Windows Embedded Ready solutions for several key device categories like Point of Service, Thin clients, Set top box/Connected TV, Digital signage, Multi-function printers, Industrial automation, etc…

Windows Embedded 7 is a spin-off of the Windows 7 operating system that is optimized for embedded systems.

Our current product, Windows Embedded 7, is the next version of the Windows Embedded tool kit that uses the same binaries and technology as the regular Windows 7 product, but with the potential for much smaller footprint and more robust OS. The idea is to remove any and all unnecessary features so that the device works in custom and usually down sized environments

The last paragraph of the job opening mentions the next iteration of Windows Embedded, called Windows 8 Embedded.

As an SDET on our team, you will be an expert in providing feedback on product design and user scenarios, ensuring testability of our product, developing test suites, and contributing to our automated testing infrastructure. Additional responsibilities include mentoring other SDETs in testing methodologies. A passion for Engineering Excellence will also be essential as it will be crucial to enabling our Product Unit to rapidly innovate in the Mobile space. This team offers an opportunity to development significant knowledge about many features in Windows, gain significant customer exposure through a combination of blogs, DLs, and customer events, develop an early view on future expansion to other areas including thin clients, POS, multi-function printers, and Win 8 Embedded and last but not the least, an opportunity to work with a product and organization that is very successful in the financial and business sense.

This means, Microsoft is not only working on Windows 8 Client and Windows 8 Server, but also Windows 8 Embedded, which is likely to be released some time after the two other products have been released, as was the case with Windows 7 Embedded.

Windows 8 To Include Direct Experience Platform?

Martin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:26:52 +0000

A recent patent by Microsoft reveals a new feature that could make its way into Windows 8. The patent calls it Direct Experience, and it basically speeds up the execution of media, and maybe other data, in the operating system.

This is done by circumventing some of the necessary steps to play media. In Windows 7 for instance, a user would have to start the computer, or resume from standby, login, wait until the desktop loads, before the appropriate application can be launched to play the media files.

Direct Experience checks for media to play before login. If media is found it can automatically launch a maximized media player and start playback mode.

direct experience

windows8 patent

Fig. 4 shows the user experience. The direct experience application needs to be loaded with the press of the button, but it may also be initiated by inserting media like USB devices into the computer.

The patent goes into further detail, and can be viewed in full here.

Described is a technology by which a computer system operates in a mode that is different from a general purpose operating mode, upon detection of a special actuation mechanism coupled to the computing device. For example, actuation of a special hardware button may boot or resume a sleeping computer system into a direct experience upon actuation, including by launching a special program corresponding to that button. The computer system may thus enter a mode in which it mimics a special purpose device such as a consumer electronics device, e.g., a dedicated media player. When in a direct experience, the computer system may also operate in a constrained/sandboxed mode in which operating system limits available functionality to less than what is available when running as a general purpose computer system, e.g., keyboard operation and/or file access may be limited. Different actuation mechanisms may correspond to different modes.

A feature like Direct Experience would be especially beneficial in mobile computing, considering that the devices might need less battery power to operate in Direct Experience mode. It also adds to the usability of the device, considering that it will speed up media playback considerably.

What’s your take on this? Would you like to see this in Windows 8? Let us know in the comments. (via Being Manan)

Poll: What do you want in Windows 8?

Mike Halsey — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:17:09 +0000

Tech blogger and programmer Raphael Rivera has opened a public poll on his website asking what features you want to see in Microsoft’s next operating system, Windows 8, due in 2012.

The poll is extremely comprehensive and includes all types of features that users have been clamouring for. These include support for different form factors and third-party match management.

As Raphael says, “Worst case, Microsoft simply ignores the whole thing.” but this is no reason not to step forward and make you views known. Why not have a go with the poll and we’ll see what new features in Windows 8 the public really want.

Microsoft Got Windows 7 right, but so much is still so wrong!

Mike Halsey — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:44:22 +0000

Microsoft got a great deal right with Windows 7, there can be no argument about this. The one thing that constantly strikes me about it is how I tend to leave it largely unmodified.

With Windows XP I’d have all sorts of tweaks and settings programs running. I’d have to change any number of annoying settings. Then there came the TellyTubby wallpaper, urgh!

With Windows 7 there are only a very few settings I change and I happen to really like the default wallpaper. This, as a power user, is an absolute first for me and proof so far as I’m concerned, that Microsoft have got it right.

But then there’s all the stuff that still hangs on from XP and that, frankly we have got to get rid of for Windows vNext (or Windows 8, whatever it ends up being called).

File Open / Save Dialogs

Why are we still using the same file open and save dialogs that we’ve had for over a decade now? Microsoft Office 2010′s Backstage view gave a tantalising glimpse of what we could have but, alas, even that reverts to the standard boring pop-up dialog.

I’ve got to admit, these file open and save dialogs are my pet hate in Windows 7, even more so that the horrible Taskbar / Start Menu dichotomy (and that’s up against some stiff competition).

The Taskbar / Start Menu Mess

I didn’t like the new Taskbar when it first appeared, not because it’s difficult to use or badly designed, but simply because couple with the existing Start Menu it’s a messy hybrid of the old and the new. I understand why Microsoft did things that way, but this really HAS to be sorted out for the next version of Windows.

If Microsoft are moving us towards a new interface then we need a bold jump, not a mixture of old and new styles at the same time.

Improved Updating for Third-Party Products

It’s far past the time now when Microsoft allowed other companies to plug their software updates into Windows Update. This feature has had such promise for years, and it’s long past time Microsoft did something positive with it.

The Libraries Fiasco

I’ve gone on about Libraries for ages now. Theyre another half-baked idea that needs serious attention. It’s not difficult Microsoft, come on, give us the ability to build libraries of file types (PDFs for instance), that would be a start. It also takes Windows far too long to build its indexes, we need the return of the WinFS file system to the OS.

Strip out the remaining XP Legacy Settings

Why am I still having to manually change the Virtual memory settings when I install Windows 7, or why is the Data Execution Prevention setting in the Visual Effects panel? Come on Microsoft, get your act together.

Clearly there are still pet peeves with Windows 7 that I believe badly need to be addressed before we get the first beta of codename Windows vNext in about nine months time. It’s much much closer than you might think!

Windows 8 Release Date, Projected Late 2011

Martin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:37:36 +0000

The Windows 8 release date has been shrouded in a cloud of rumors. Most experts expect a late 2011 early 2012 release of the operating system. A recently leaked Windows 8 product cycle chart provides the answers needed to determine the release date of the next Windows OS by Microsoft.

You can take a look at the image here. The chart lists the planning, development and readiness product cycle of Windows 8 and related Microsoft products such as Internet Explorer 8, Windows Live Wave 4, Windows Live Wave 5 and Windows 7. It also lists major events.

Some events and products have already been held / released and it is possible to pinpoint the release date of Windows 8 by making the remaining calculations.

Here is what we know. Forum I and Forum II have been major events, the former held in December 2009, the latter in April 2010. The listing lists four additional event, Forum III to Forum VI. The next two events fall into the development phase of Windows 8, the remaining two into the readiness phase.

Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Live Wave 4 have either been announced with final dates (at least for the beta) or released already.

Forum II was held 4-5 months after Forum I. If we take this approach we can calculate the approximate month of the other four forums. This would mean between 16 to 20 months from April 2010 on which coincides perfectly with the projected late 2011 release date.

The Windows 8 beta should be released around June 2011 and the final release might even hit the stores at the same time that Windows 7 was released, which was October.

The Internet Explorer 9 product cycle confirms the findings. Microsoft has announced a beta release of Internet Explorer 9 for August 2010. This would be the same time that Forum III will be held, which is exactly four months after Forum II.

The chart may be a bit off since Windows Live Wave 4 was released in June. It could be that Microsoft has projected the Forum III conference for June / July instead.

Could also be that the chart is not 100% accurate and it can happen that development cycles need to be shifted, especially if major issues are encountered during development.

Still, we are pretty sure that Microsoft will release the beta of Windows 8 in or around June 2011 and the final release of the operating system in or around October 2011.

What’s your take on the chart? We are very interested in users who can provide us with additional information including Forum III to Forum VI dates.

New Features: Wireless Connectivity, Stereoscopic 3D, Hardware Acceleration

Martin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:51:43 +0000

We have already revealed some of the features that users can expect from Windows 8 including My PC My Way, that improves user interaction aond comfort with sensors, and My PC Knows Me, that makes use of facial recognition to identify users. Those features are on the other hand just the tip of the iceberg.

A leaked document reveals additional features including better wireless connectivity and stereoscopic 3D support.

Windows 8 aims to make it as easy as possible to make use of wireless and USB displays. It is for instance possible to duplicate the computer screen on a remote display. Microsoft exemplifies this with a situation where a user uses a simple keyboard shortcut to send a TV show found in the web browser to a flat screen display to view it on the larger screen.

Windows 8 will support stereoscopic 3D in both games and movies. Hardware support includes lots of 3D capable devices including TVs and monitors, laptops and photo cameras as well as wireless TVs, wireless docking stations and USB monitors.

Hardware acceleration aims to provide a better experience not only when browsing the Internet but also in other applications like Windows Live Photo Gallery.

New Windows 8 Feature: My PC My Way

Martin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:22:15 +0000

My PC My Way is a new feature of Windows 8. It makes heavy use of sensor technologies to improve the user’s interaction with the operating system.

Microsoft’s leaked documents, which we are not showing for obvious reasons, details several scenarios how My PC My Way makes working with Windows 8 more comfortable.

The first scenario describes a gaming session that gets interrupted by a visitor. Windows 8 will automatically pause the game if the player moves the head or moves away from the PC. Games can make use of location awareness and accelerometer based gaming.

The same scenario describes the adaptive brightness technology that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen depending on the lighting conditions.

The second scenario mentions a user who is reading an online magazine on the PC. Key features in this scenario are touch support (Microsoft says great touch support), location awareness, e-reading and wireless connectivity.

Face recognition based login to PC is the new feature in the third scenario. Windows 8 can automatically recognize the user, perform the login and show the desktop, all without any form of user interaction other than coming nearer to the PC.

Several key scenario features and opportunities are described including gaming, high definition video, e-reading, communication (social networking and Instant Messaging), media consumption and Web browsing.

My PC My Way could become a selling point, providing that the feature offers enough customization and options to prevent unwanted changes to the operating system.

Windows 8 Tablet PC Hardware Requirements

Martin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:05:59 +0000

It is projected that tablet PCs will see a boom in the coming years, largely thanks to the success of Apple’s iPad device. Leaked Microsoft documents gave us a first impression of the Windows 8 Tablet PC hardware requirement.

It has to be noted that Microsoft may change these at any time. The requirements have been extracted from a sheet detailing sensors and hardware capabilities. Some requirements might be optional as well.

A 9″ diagonal display, at least 768px width
A Direct X accelerated graphics processing unit (GPU)
GPS for location aware applications (likely optional)
Wireless LAN connectivity
Camera for facial detection
3-Axis Accelerometer (likely optional)
Ambient light sensor with adaptive brightness (likely optional)

Making those sensors a requirement makes sense, considering that Apple’s iPad offers most of them in one form or another.

Windows 8 To Support Facial Detection, Calls It My PC Knows Me

Martin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:48:33 +0000

The confidential document that leaked earlier this week gave us a first glimpse of what we can expect to see in Windows 8. Everton’s last post offered an overview of the features that were mentioned in the leaked document including improvements in power management, boot time and shutdown time.

Microsoft plans to improve sensors in Windows 8, and one specific application was only mentioned incidentally in the article: Proximity sensors.

The document contained a set of screenshots that exemplified how proximity sensors would be implemented in Windows 8.

Microsoft calls the technology My PC Knows Me and it basically means that the PC can use a connected camera to recognize a user and act depending on the user’s position in the room.

The PC can automatically change its state to sleep mode if the user walks away and resume if the user walks to the PC.

Facial recognition will also be used to switch PC users quickly. Being Manan has posted the pages of the document that contained information about the feature, visit his page to see them in action.

The key features as stated in the document are: Proximity detection, facial detection, Rapid “on”, User authentication and login, fast and easy user switching, desktop lock using face detection and proximity detection, fast switch to sleep mode.

Key scenario features and opportunities list presence detection, system wake and lock, user authentication via face recognition, fast desktop switching, fast sleep mode.

Partner opportunities include combined authentication for enhanced security, e.g. face and fingerprint or face and password.

The hardware capabilities are listed with a 17″ to 30″ touch display, DirectX gpu, 5 or more contact points and improved sampling rate for high quality touch experience and HD video.

Sensors used are infrared proximity sensors to use proximity based sleep and wake and ambient light sensor for changing the screen brightness based on the lighting conditions.

Have other news to share about Windows 8? Tip us off by sending us an email or leaving a comment below.

New Information Leaked On Windows 8

Everton — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:23 +0000

Some confidential Miicrosoft documents have been leaked online which give some clues as to what Windows 8 might include when it is released.

The information appears to have been presented at a Microsoft ‘Ecosystem Forum’ conference back in April. Details that I have managed to glean about Windows 8 from the documents include:

Adding GPS support to Windows 8 netbooks and laptops via the system motherboard or WWAN module
Further sensor improvements – HID, accelerometers, proximity sensors (cool – PC wakes up when you walk into the room!) etc
Focus on the “big 3s”: Boot Time, Shut Down Time, Batter Life continuing where Windows 7 left off – “Experiences: Time to first email received, Time to home page, Time to calendar or media playback…Windows 8 PCs turn on fast, nearly instantly in some cases, and are ready to work without any long or unexpected delays. when customers want to check e-mail, sports scores, or play media they love to reach for their PCs because they can get to what they want quickly”
Faster On from 0 Watts and Instant Sleep resume performance for mobile PCs
Better restoration tools and ‘Connected Help and Support” – ‘Windows 8 can be restored to the factory default easily. when resetting a Windows 8 PC, all of the files, settings and even the applications are restored. End users have confidence in resetting their PC without having to call support

Thanks to Daniel for the documents.

Windows 8 and Server “Next” to Be Developed in Parallel

George — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:19:51 +0000

The transition according to Microsoft for client and server operating systems are … minor…then major…then minor…etc. That is how server and tools unit president Bob Muglia sees it. Basically, Microsoft is sticking to a schedule presented several years ago. It stated that the server and tools unit would put out alternating minor and major versions every two years. The most recent update of the server version of Windows 7, called Windows Server 2008 R2, was a minor update. This update was completed last year.

What will the be the name of the next version of Server 2008? That was not revealed in the interview, but Muglia did point out that Windows Server “vNext” will be a major release of the OS. This is similar to the upgrade of Windows Server 2008 R2 as a minor upgrade to the plain version of Windows Server 2008.

“We’re not talking a lot about the next version of Windows Server today but I think what you’ll see is…that the learnings that we have from Windows Azure will be pulled back into Windows Server, just like there’s features in Windows Server and SQL Server that are being pulled up into Windows Azure and SQL Azure.”

Muglia did say that the next version of Windows Server is progressing in development alongside the next desktop operating system. As of yet, Microsoft is not displaying their cards about a formal codename, or list of features, or even a target date. But according to Muglia, the two teams, one on client and one on server, worked together side by side in the development process.

This goes with the development of the next version of Windows 7, probably to be called Windows 8. Why? Because of Steven Sinofsky.

Steven Sinofsky, whose position is president, of the Windows and Windows Live Division, has made an interesting feature known about how the development process of Windows has changed after he came to the helm of the project. He had been brought in from the Office team.

When Sinofsky was leading Office, Microsoft used product numbers. They did not use code names for future releases of the productivity suite. Office 2010, for example, was Office 14. The next version of Office has already been labeled Office 15.

So when Sinofsky moved over to Windows division, the follow up to Windows Vista became Windows 7, as Vista was Windows 6.0. Thus, it is only natural to assume, and apparently some of Microsoft’s own employees have done so, that the next version of Windows will be labeled Windows 8.

Windows 8 To Contain New Anti-Hacking Software?

George — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:08:47 +0000

Recently at the Microsoft Human Resources department, a new job position was posted in the area of computer security.

Microsoft Careers

“Our group is on a mission to build a rich, powerful platform to help protect Microsoft products against piracy. Here is your chance to join a team of exceptional developers as we build an extensible cross-company platform to support this vision. This is a fast-paced group that rewards smart and motivated individuals.

We are looking for an experienced software developer to help us design and build new anti-hacking mechanisms, hack detection, and work on the security processor driver. The work touches many layers of the operating system and includes opportunities for partnership with MS Research and other security teams at Microsoft to productize exciting innovations and ideas that help shake hackers and crackers off Microsoft products.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but the diversity of the problem space in this area is rich in growth opportunities just waiting for the right candidate. You will have ample opportunity to diversify your skill set and grow. In this position, you’ll get a chance to work on many aspects of the platform, starting with an assignment to drive the design of our application and Operating System (OS) virtualization support. ”

If software pirates, hackers and crackers always seem to be one step ahead of Microsoft it is in part because of the monumental position Microsoft holds in the technology area. It is a “badge of honor” claimed by some who feel that they have stuck it to “the man” by performing these odious tasks. Even when Microsoft has succeeded in locking down vulnerabilities, there is always the contest mentality of “I’ll bet I can hack into it.” Trinity would be proud.(see: The Matrix)

The modus operandi for Microsoft is that they must keep up with hackers new methods and continue to innovate and design new security technologies.

Some may consider anti-piracy measures similar to whistling in the wind, but that’s certainly not the case. I have posts in Windows7News.com, and ConnectedInternet showing how in many cases Microsoft has foiled anti-piracy efforts. Many believe that piracy is relegated to just illegal copying or theft. But that is not the case. Virus distribution and embedded malware, and privacy intrusion are typical features that result from piracy efforts.

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Additional Details about the position can be found here: Senior Development Engineer – Windows

Will Windows 8 Be Faster and Smaller Than Windows 7?

George — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:39:54 +0000

At the Microsoft Careers on line Job site, Microsoft has release some specifications about Windows 8.

” Are you passionate about software performance? Are you excited by the potential to have a positive impact on hundreds of millions of users, by improving their Windows experience? The Windows Fundamentals Performance Test Team is look for a software design engineer who can help us do just that – make future releases of Windows faster, smaller, and more responsive than Windows 7. OS Fundamentals, and specifically performance were a major area of focus during Windows 7 and will be just as important if not more so, during the development of the next version(s).“

So how does this pan out? If you are a developer, and you are looking at OS development, your focus would be to change and improve Windows 7 to create a new operating system, Windows8. The next question is more interesting, how do you make Windows 8 faster and smaller and more responsive?

Given that the technologies that are under development and have been available to Microsoft, such as 128 bit processors with 6,8,12 or even 48 cores, the operating system will look very different if it is trying to work with these features. There are other technologies, for instance Solid State Drives will be replacing the traditional rotating head hard disk drives. Another technology is the light (photon) based circuitry that will replace traditional wiring.

Touch and voice technology which came of age in Windows 7 will be in Windows8, and it will be interesting to see what the development will look like.

Embedded Systems, which need a stripped down version of the full operating system could benefit from the new more compact Windows8 version.

For more information about some of these technologies see:

Solid State Drives A Quick Review

LightFleet Delivers a Light Based Server to Microsoft

Webkit2 for Multiple Cores Architecture

Windows7 Component Embedded System

See Source: Microsoft Careers Global for the full job description.

Let the Windows 8 Concepts Begin…

Jason — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:31:06 +0000

The tech industry is always about the next big thing. Even before the release of Windows 7 there were those speculating about the possible features and changes in the next version of Windows.

I’m sure there are many readers, like myself, who are thrilled by the anticipation of a new Microsoft OS. If you weren’t, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. Either way, months and sometimes years before a new early build or beta is released, there are users guessing what the changes in the new OS might be. Longhorn felt-like and actually did take forever to go from concepts to Vista, then we also saw our fair share of pre-Windows 7 concepts way before the beta, which is normally the case. Alot of these concepts are elementary and most will never be looked at twice, but there are some very talented users out there with some very good ideas.

I ran across this picture on a blog and thought it was funny:

Maybe this is the next version of Windows?

Often times a user will post screenshots or a video with their concept of what the next Windows might look like and Windows 8 is certainly no different. Personally, I am always excited at the prospect of new UI changes in the next OS and I’m sure that Microsoft employees keep their eyes peeled for interesting concepts as well. I thought I would gather some interesting concept images and videos of the next iteration of Windows that users across the web have already posted.

Here are some concepts videos that I have found:

Windows 8 Concept

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKm1jeR_uL4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNLIu6n-cKY&feature=related

Of course, these are just a few concepts out there right now and many more will certainly pop up in the coming months. We’ll do our best to stay on top of the betas and early releases and keep the readers posted on any breaking stories about the next OS, but for now, looking at what the users want and come up with will have to make do. As always, stay tuned into Windows 7news and Windows8news for all of your windows news and tips. If you’ve seen any good screenshots or conept videos, link them in your comments, because I’m always interested in seeing good concepts.

Windows8 Technical Documentation Issues (TDI) – In the Works

George — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:51:52 +0000

Windows7 has been out less than six months, and already there is speculation about the next generation of Windows, Windows8. The Redmond company may not be saying much now, which is understandable, given the success of Windows7. The unspoken, but true, thinking is, why take publicty away from a successful venture and place it on a venture that is still at least a year and a half away. Go with the flow, and the flow right now is Windows7.

But Microsoft is quietly planning the next generation of Windows client and server platforms for the general public. Leaks have been kept to a minimum, but Microsoft is already developing technical documentation for the US Department of Justice, and its own internal documentation on what will be a major project. The DOJ-Microsoft settlement in 2000 added requirements about pending OS projects.

The Microsoft Communications Protocol Program or MCPP is a program which makes available technical features to third parties about the structure of the next operating system, Windows 8 and Windows 8 server. Third-parties use the documentation to leverage their hardware or software development efforts in order to build interoperability with Microsoft’s products. Part of the technical content is related to Windows 8 and Windows 8 Server. There is also documentation related to application products and software development products.

As many as 500 Microsoft employees and staff are involved in producing the MCPP technical documentation. There is overlap with the European Work Group Server Protocol Program, also part of the European Union’s effort to monitor compliance with legal rulings against Microsoft. With both of these watchdogs looking at Microsoft, the individual work relates to both programs or is exclusive to the MCPP.

Some 200 product team engineers and program managers are currently developing and reviewing the technical content to include in the legal compliance documentation. This includes work on Technical Documentation Issues (TDI) resolution as well as producing new content for the next version of Windows Client and Windows Server.

Source: http://www.codenamewindows.com/?p=1174

Windows 8 to be Release July, 2011 … a Rumor?

George — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:57:49 +0000

I saw a documentary about Roswell, the place in New Mexico, USA that was supposed to be the place where an alien space craft went down. It supposedly was recovered by the US Air Force and had alien bodies among the wreckage. 60 years later, I smile when I hear how some people regardless of evidence or lack there of continue to believe wild stories about that event. The rumors persist…right?

Well, there are rumors about Windows8. Think of it. First of all, can MicroSoft really pull off selling a new operating system to have consumers buy this close to Windows 7, especially with the critical and commercial success of Windows7? If it had bombed, sure the public would be clamoring for a new one. But that is not the case.

Second, what can you expect from Windows8? To want people to buy the OS, it has to be radically different, otherwise, it will be considered a service pack to Windows7. The 128 bit rumor is around, but to make it really work as a 128 bit OS, then there have to be major rewrites of a lot of supporting software and hardware; otherwise, what’s the point? If the applications can not take advantage of the CPU to perform faster, it will be for nought.

Third, hardware technology must already be available to be incorporated into the next OS otherwise the time frame would be longer, maybe 2012, or even 2013. The technology may already have existed when Windows7 was being built, but was put off to wait for other hardware makers to design hardware around.

Fourth, the Windows8 kernel must be redesigned. If it’s just an extension of the Vista/Windows7 kernel, again what’s the point? Microsoft and their R&D team must be looking at what the next generation must be like, but with the emphasis on new technology.

So having said that about rumors, when will Microsoft release Windows8? From a spreadsheet designed by a Microsoft employee, the timeline is around July 1, 2011. That is a mere 17 months away. Here is a copy of the spreadsheet with the timeline not just for Windows8, but for other MicroSoft products.

Estimated Product Support Life Cycles

So here is the latest rumor. The spreadsheet picks the date of July, 2011 as the release date. What makes this spreadsheet is the supposed origin: a Microsoft employee; furthermore, it has been accurate in the past for the software timeline. Take it with a grain of salt; but the rumors may be true.

Source: TechSpot

Roadmap Spreadsheet can be downloaded here.

Intel to Integrate USB 3.0 into Windows8

George — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:22:22 +0000

One of the problems with talking about a future operating system is 1) the little news that comes out of Microsoft about it, but 2) it is hard to speculate two years out about technology that might change considerably between now and then. So we are left with rumor and wish lists and the like. Unless some company actually says something worth noting. In this case, Intel has announced that USB 3.0 will be an embedded product within the Windows 8 Operating System.

What is USB 3.0?

The original specification USB was released by a combination of manufacturers in 1996. These included, Intel, Compaq, Microsoft, Sony, Digital Equipment Corporation, IBM, and Northern Telecom.

On September 18, 2007, at the Intel Developer Forum a demonstration of USB 3.0 was presented. Two months later the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced that the specifications for version 3.0 were complete and was ready for the USB Implementers Forum, the managing body of USB specifications to decimate the specifications and monitor implementation.

A new feature is the bus, which provides a fourth transfer mode at 4.8 Gbit/s. This gives is a “Superspeed.” With the raw throughput at 4 Gbit/s, and the new specifications, it is possible to achieve a speed of 3.2 Gbit/s, which translates to 0.4 GByte/s or 400 MByte/s or more after protocol overhead.

USB 2.0 maxes out at 480 MBits/s. USB 3.0 is expected to max out at 5 Gbits/s. This dramatic performance improvement over version 2.0, makes it more desirable. However, these new data transfer rates while attainable by the USB hardware, my not be easy to implement.

The USB 3.0 Icon

Current Timeline of Release

Consumer products are expected to become available sometime in 2010. With commercial controllers are expected to enter into volume production by April 2010.

In September 24, 2009 Freecom announced a USB 3.0 external hard drive.
Following that on October 27, 2009 Gigabyte Technology announced new P55 chipsets motherboards for computers that included an onboard USB 3.0.

On January 6th, 2010 ASUS release a USB 3.0-certified motherboard. . They had to comply with spesifications approved by the USB Implementors Forum to ensure compatibility between motherboards and peripherals.

Windows 7 and Linux

Drivers are under development for Windows 7, but initial support was not included with the initial release of the operating system. But on the other hand, the Linux kernel has supported USB 3.0 since version 2.6.31. That version was released in September 2009. This means that for the time being one complete system for end-to-end testing and development for USB3 is now available on the market.

USB 3.0 Super Speed Certified

Intel and AMD

Intel will not support USB 3.0 until next year, 2011. This will undoubtedly have the effect ofl slowing down mainstream adoption. These delays are related to problems in the CMOS manufacturing process.

AMD indicates that the new southbridges released in the beginning of 2010 will not support USB 3.0. Some market research from In-Stat predicts the relevant market share of USB 3.0 not begin to take hold until 2011.

Windows 8

At the CeBIT Global Conference in Hannover, Germany, Intel Manager Steve Peterson, attending said that USB 3.0 would become mainstream with the implementation of the next iteration of the Windows client operating system, Windows8. Intel is working with Microsoft to make sure that the hardware will work with Windows 8. It will fully support USB 3.0 Windows 8 integration. Although products featuring the USB3.0 technology have been release after the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the current expectations for USB 3.0 are that only high-end PCs will feature USB 3.0, as a general rule.

Intel expects Windows8 and the continuing evolution of computers to make USB 3.0 readily available. But, Intel, however, is not optimistic when it relates to the mainstream adoption of the technology. Apparently the technical details and specification to overcome are still problematic.

Source: Intel Intel and USB

Intel to Support Windows8 and USB 3.0

What Windows 8 needs to be… Part 1

Mike Halsey — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:29:04 +0000

Everybody’s got a wish list for what they want Windows to be. As a technical beta-tester for Microsoft and the author of the Windows 7 Power Users Guide, I’ve had a great insight over the last few years into what Windows could have been, having tested features that were later dropped from betas, and I’ve read a great deal of private feedback from other technical testers over the years.

In this series I hope to cover everything I believe Windows 8 will need to be, and what features it should have to truly compete against Google Chrome OS on the netbook and PC, and with iPhone OS and Android on the tablet.

One click install

Microsoft have gone to great lengths over the last few years to make all operations in Windows simpler and quicker to use. Cutting down the amount and volume of mouse clicks necessary to perform tasks.

This approach has been moderately successful so far and connecting to a wi-fi network in Windows 7 is a great example of how the one-click approach can work.

One single-click solution that Windows is lacking though has been highlighted by Apple to great effect with their app store. For one reason or another the Windows installer still takes users through too many steps to install software.

This simple solution, that Apple and Google have used now to great effect has been around on Linux for years, and is widely regarded as one of that OSes finest features.

Obviously with some packages there are options, Microsoft Office for example is a large package and Google Earth will optionally install the Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer. Having an installer package that will enable a quick single-click install is what Windows needs if it’s to compete in the same consumer market as Android and Apple-powered devices in the home.

Only by making installing programs as easy in Windows as it is with other operating systems can Microsoft be seen by their millions of users to be offering an experience that’s as good and easy to use.

Finger Friendly

The tablet is reborn. Apple have now launched their much anticipated iPad and this can only mean that another ageing way to interact with technology will be invigorated and soon, everybody will be jumping on the bandwagon.

The introduction of multi-touch computing with Windows 7 was a good start, but sadly Windows 7 is still not at OS you can use simply in that manner. The ageing interface of drop-down menus and the window control buttons will either have to be redeveloped, redesigned or dropped completely.

Some people would say that this could pose problems for running legacy software on the PC, but the introduction of XP Mode in Windows 7 went some way towards rectifying this. Microsoft need to announce that all new PCs from the end of 2012 need to have hardware support for virtual machines, and this gives the hardware manufacturers plenty of time to make sure their processor and motherboard ranges support it.

iPhone OS and Android, while nowhere near as advanced or as flexible and pioneering completely touchable interfaces. If Microsoft are serious about pushing multi-touch forwards, they need to address the main interface structure of Windows urgently.

Cheap

One of the biggest barriers to owning Windows is the price. Fortunately with Office 2010 Microsoft are trying out a new click-to-install format, where you can start with a free version of the Office suite with limited functionality that you can expand by making micro-payments for the extra features you need.

Should this work, and there’s no reason why it won’t, this model could be ported to Windows and by the time Windows 8 launches in 2012 we could be looking at the first free version of Windows.

I’ll deal with additional features in the next part of this series.

What does the iPad mean for the Windows 8 interface?

Mike Halsey — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:07:32 +0000

The reinvention of the tablet PC by Apple this week could have significant ramifications for Microsoft during the development of Windows 8, and impact the look and feel of their next OS considerably.

I think it’s brilliant that we’re now looking at a very near future where I can lounge around on the sofa with the dog, checking my email and browsing the web without have to sit upright in front of a keyboard and track pad in order to get things done. However can you imagine trying to use Windows that way?

While multi-touch support in Windows 7 has made the OS suitable for that type of device, the general operation of Windows (especially with regards to menus and the minimise, maximise and close buttons) would make prodding buttons and other features within Windows problematic at best and infuriating at its worst.

Microsoft are going to have to look at the whole look and feel of Windows for Windows 8 and either a) accept that they can’t do anything about it b) change the OS so it’s all finger-friendly throughout or c) create a switchable interface for tablet devices.

Whatever they do in this regard is guaranteed to change Windows considerably, possibly also creating a learning curve that will annoy a great many people, and bring the way we interact with our programs and operating systems kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Personally I would prefer Microsoft to find a new way to work with Windows that will work equally well with mouse and gesture controls. I think such a change will be refreshing and can only help to push the convenience of the web into more areas and more people’s homes. Not to mention the potential benefits to accessibility that will be greeted by an ageing population.

With Windows 8 due around the autumn of 2012, Nostradamus’ predictions not withstanding, we can probably expect to see the first signs of this about a year from now. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Microsoft do.

Win $300 Of Crucial Memory For Your PC!

Everton — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:23:47 +0000

In tandem with our sister site Windows 7 News, we’ve been giving away over $9000 worth of software and hardware this month. So far we’ve had some amazing prizes, and on Day 9 of our $9k Christmas Giveaway we are giving away one of our best prizes. Today the lucky winner of our main reverse auction over will win $300 of free computer memory of their choice from Crucial Technology! If you’re looking to give your Windows 7 PC a performance boost then adding good quality fast memory will do the trick. To play all you have to do is visit our Christmas Giveaway auction site and start bidding in our reverse auction- all bids are free!

To read more and how to play click here.

If that wasn’t enough we are also giving away today:

Uniblue PowerSute Worth $100
WinX DVD Ripper Worth $29.99

Over on sister site ghacks we are also giving away hundreds of dollars of software away everyday – click here to visit their Christmas Giveway.

Win $300 Of Free Crucial Memory

Win $300 of high quality PC memory courtesy of Crucial Memory. Winner gets to choose their own memory up to a value of $300. Get bidding now! The lowest bid wins!

Crucial is a key brand in the Lexar Media family of products. As Memory Experts Crucial are the only DRAM supplier that’s part of a major memory manufacturer.

Crucial are one of the leading suppliers of high-quality memory that has been qualified and approved by most major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). On their website you can find innovative tools that will make it easy to choose compatible memory and recommended upgrades.

Visit Crucial Memory now for your next memory upgrade.

We’re Giving Away $9K This December!!

Everton — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:38:26 +0000

In tandem with our sister site Windows 7 News & Tips we are giving away over $9000 this December. Yes, everyday between Dec 1st and Dec 24th we are giving away prizes worth over $300!!

Entry is free and you can enter as many times as you want. All you have to do is visit our Christmas Giveaway and start bidding for free on the prizes you want to win. It’s a reverse auction so the lowest unique bid wins.

Auctions will run from 24 hours each day starting at 8PM PST – keep checking the site for details of the new prizes added daily that you can win!

Start bidding now!!

Also visit ghacks where Martin is also giving away thousands of dollars in prizes!!

Windows 8 – 128bit Rumours Were Fake?

Everton — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:46:34 +0000

Last month a number of sites, including this one, picked up on rumours that Windows 8 would support 128-bit processors. The main ‘source’ of the rumours was a Robert Morgan who was a “senior member of Microsoft’s R&D team” who leaked information about Windows 8′s 128 bit capabilities on his LinkedIn profile.

However, it looks now like the information was fake and that Robert Morgan never actually existed:

The LinkedIn page has since been removed (cached version)
When questioned about Robert Morgan, Microsoft have replied that “Microsoft has no comment regarding Robert Morgan”

i.e. Microsoft have made no attempt to quash or confirm any leaks that have been made, maintaining the official radio silence around Windows 8. As George has stated on our sister site, the official position from Microsoft is that Windows 8 is under development and that’s all they are prepared to say for now.

That’s not to say that Windows 8 won’t support 128bit processors, but it looks like this particular leak was probably started by sites looking to benefit from the traffic. It was a nice story, but unfortunately it looks like we are still waiting for the first set of concrete information concerning Windows 8.

Windows 8 ‘Confirmed’ for 2012 Launch

Everton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:52 +0000

More and more evidence is emerging that Windows 8 will be released in 2012. At this years Professional Developer’s Conference (PDC 2009), budding attendees managed to get their hands on two Windows roadmap slides that show ‘Windows 8′ launching in 2012:

Now these slides don’t really provide any information that we didn’t know; Microsoft typically leave 3 years between each release and with Windows 7 launching this year, Windows 8 was always likely to be in 2012. It is unlikely that Microsoft would pull Windows 8′s launch forward to 2011 because it would impact Windows 7 sales with customers delaying upgrades, and unlikely they would delay until 2013 as Windows 8′s development seems to be progressing quite nicely.

Source: Microsoft Kitchen

Looking Forward To Windows 8, What Microsoft Missed In Windows 7, Part 5

Everton — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:58:07 +0000

Resident editor Mike Halsey has just published on Windows 7 News, the latest post in his series ‘Looking Forward To Windows 8, What Microsoft Missed In Windows‘. In part 5, he covers improvements he would like to see to Windows 7′s libraries and search in Windows 8:

I’ve spoken before about Libraries being an excellent example of this. You can add folders to libraries, even on Homegroup connected PCs, but why can’t you filter those folder by content type, or have a library of all your Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) files? This is a very annoying omission and one that makes the otherwise excellent Libraries feature much less useful than Microsoft would like it to be.

To read the full post, click here. Below you can find links to the earlier instalments in the series:

Ten Items On My Windows 8 Wishlist

Everton — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:09:36 +0000

The dust hasn’t yet settled on the launch of Windows 7 and I’m fairly certain that in the new year, Microsoft will not only release Windows 7 SP1 but also (finally) some details of Windows 8. Windows 7 is a brilliant OS, but there is still room for improvement. What features would you add to your Windows 8 Wishlist? My wishlist would include the following items:

Better dual monitor support: I want wallpapers that stretch across multiple wallpapers
Fewer versions: I think Microsoft are confusing too many users with the various versions. Windows 7 was a step in the right direction with fewer versions; hopefully Windows 8 will no more than 3 versions
Customisable boot screens: (although hopefully windows 8 will boot so fast you won’t see it!)
Better multimedia network support: I run a number of media centers and it’s near on impossible to share playcounts, playlists etc across machines. I want features like knowing what films on my server haven’t been watched
Ditch the taskbar: Integrate an improved flip or something better i.e just make a virtual taskbar appear anywhere on the screen on demand
An updated Windows Explorer: come on Microsoft, it’s getting a bit long in the tooth now and needs to be retired
A complete rewrite of the Windows code: with backwards compatability via an emulator
User account synchronisation: Why should I have to setup my bookmarks, folders, settings, preferences, files etc on each and every machine? I want to login to any machine in my Homegroup and pickup where I left off
Better Updating & Maintenance: I would love it if Windows 8 ‘healed’ and ‘fixed’ itself in the background
Storage Array: My Windows Home Server just tells me how much storage I have available, rather than looking at each disk individually. I hope Windows 8 treats storage this way, allowing users to allocate storage to users or to create ‘virtual drives’

Windows 8′s Known Knowns

Everton — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:12:01 +0000

Long after Donald Rumsfeld has died, he will be known (sic) for one of the worst quotes ever:

There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.

Now although information about Windows 8 will eventually become available, rather than the lack of information to this day about WMDs, Windows 8 details still remain sketchy. Here are Windows 8′s Known Knowns:

It will be called Windows 8 and there’s even a Windows 9 in the pipeline
It will be released no earlier than 2012 – it is unlikely it will be released in 2011
It will have new networking features
It will include 128 bit support and will see the end of 32 bit Operating Systems
It won’t be Microsoft’s last client based OS - Steve Ballmer says that won’t happen for 10-20 years.

Hopefully soon we will unravel Windows 8′s known unknowns and unknown unknowns!

Download 1250 Windows 8 Wallpapers

Everton — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:42:40 +0000

To celebrate the launch of Windows 7 and (hopefully) the start of some news from Microsoft on Windows 8, Windows 7 Themes have pulled together a mega pack of 1250 Windows 8 Wallpapers:

The wallpaper package includes a lot of different wallpapers: dual-screen, panorama (ultra-wide wallpaper), firefox, mac, windows vista and 7, cars, nature, underwater scenes, gaming, 3D, CG, sexy babes, etc.

1250 Windows 8 Wallpapers takes up quite a lot of filespace, so the authors have pulled together a torrent to make it easier to download the wallpapers.

More: Wallpaper Download Link

Join Windows 8 Forum Today For More News

Everton — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:45:59 +0000

Have you visited the Windows 8 Forum? If not, then maybe you should today. There are nearly 4,000 active users in the forum that we share with our sister site Windows 7 News, and a number of Windows 8 posts and rumours are starting to appear.

Windows 8 will mark 30 years since the home computer revolution

Mike Halsey — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Who could have imagined over even the last ten years that the PC, a business device, would be welcomed with such open arms into the home. That huge sections of our living rooms and spare bedrooms would be devoted to huge beige, then black, boxes.

Windows 8 is due in beta 2011 for release in 2012. This will mark 30 years of the home computer revolution of the ZX81, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and BBC Micro. Three whole decades since Sir Clive Sinclair launched the ZX81 to such huge acclaim. His previous home computer, the ZX80, had failed to make inroads in the home, but the £99 ZX81 was remarkable for its time. It was the first home computer to be widely available on the high street, and the first computer that households could actually afford, with an Apple II or IBM PC costing around £2,500.

I remember fondly getting my first ZX81 and I consider myself very privileged to have been born when I was, and to have been growing up through the most exciting part of the home computer revolution.

I had initially wanted a colouring book but my parents had seen the ‘educational value’ of the Sinclair machine and were determined I was getting one. I remember vividly the trip to WH Smith that resulted in a very bemused few days for me while I tried to come to terms with what this thing was. Once I had it though I was hooked!

Back then you joined a camp and developed a loyalty that seemed to take on a life of its own. If you were serious about computing you were in one of three. Either Sinclair, Commodore or Acorn (BBC). The Sinclair fans were the the fun people who enjoyed life on a shoestring and, at least publicly, considered the machine’s foibles endearing, even if we were all privately fuming that it took 45 minutes to load a game of Horace Goes Skiing.

The Commodore people had more money and, thus, a proper keyboard. They clearly had the better machine but the Sinclair crowd would never let them win that argument. The BBC crowd were the ones you knew would end up doing advanced degrees at University. That was the way it was back then.

I was firmly in the Sinclair camp. After my ZX81 I owned a Speccy, a Speccy+2 and a Sinclair QL. I am one of a great many people who consider the ZX Spectrum to be one of the finest computers ever created. It brought about the home computer revolution pretty much on its own and, consequently, was copied right around the globe.

It wasn’t until Amstrad came in with more of a business focus did things begin to change. The Spectrum and Commodore 64 had given birth to the first generation of dedicated games consoles and that left the market open for something more serious. Back then everybody was still talking about the paperless office, a concept we’d never really trust these days, and Amstrad brought to market products to help small businesses and individuals become more productive at home and at work. They lit the way and showed the likes of Dell and Compaq how to produce mass-market PCs for under £500. It was at this time that Compaq created a compatible clone BIOS for the IBM PC. From that moment on the home computer revolution was over!

It had lasted only five short years but they were a truly exciting time.

So just how the hell does my personal nostalgia trip fit in with Windows 8 I hear you ask? It’s actually Windows XP that started the ball rolling with this but Windows Vista and Windows 7 have both grasped the bull by both horns and Windows 8 will, I think, complete the picture.

This is the excitement we feel about how it works and operates and how we interact with the next version of Windows. After the first PC clones began to appear we became bogged down with performance. The important thing was the next development in technology and not the operating system itself. Windows 95 got tongues wagging, but all too quickly the excitement died down to be replaced again by talk of the next big hardware revolution. Finally we have OS interfaces that excite and engage people on a daily basis and that can actually maintain that level of enthusiasm. The fact that modern hardware has for a few years now provided all that we need has obviously helped this conversation to flourish.

This revolution really started, nay exploded, in 1982 with the ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro and Commodore 64 changing the face of childhood forever. The clones came flooding in, everyone with their own ideas. Innovation and excitement were the order of the day and you couldn’t go anywhere or speak to anyone without the home computing revolution coming into the conversation.

It makes me remember spending Saturday mornings in my local high street electronics shops. There were always large crowds of kids gathered around the computers. We’d compare the different interfaces and the way the machines operated. Each one brought something exciting to the mix but it was never the hardware that excited us. Okay so the keyboard had a thing or two to contribute. You either loved or hated the squidgy keys of the Speccy and most people hated the blister’inducing keyboard of the Oric 1, even though the machine itself really impressed. Generally though it was how we interacted with the machines that made them successful or reduced their developers to tears when the receivers were called in.

Back then this was essential because, in order to own one of these machines, you had to program it yourself. The user interface as everything. This is where the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and BBC Micro excelled. All three had interfaces that people could actually use.

You have to have been born during a few short years in the late 1960s and early 1970s to appreciate the magic of that time. It was truly, the most exciting period of my childhood, and something that no child born before or since will ever be able to share.

This is something we take for granted now on modern PCs. But it’s still not always that way. Windows 7 may offer great leaps forward in how we interact with our PCs, but any trained eye will be able to point out all the places it fails.

I can only hope, and look forward, to the way we interact with Windows 8, whatever it is, causing enough excitement to commemorate this 30th anniversary appropriately.

Windows 8 to support 32, 64 or 128-bit?

Mike Halsey — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:45:17 +0000

Recently there have been rumours that the next version of Windows will move the whole platform completely over to 128-bit architecture, dumping 32 and 64-bit compatibility completely.

This first came about because of a news story broken by Microsoft Kitchen a few days ago in which Robert Morgan, a senior research and development officer at Microsoft posted the following on his LinkedIn profile.

Experience
Senior Research & Development
Microsoft
Public Company; MSFT; Computer Software industry
January 2002 – Present (7 years 10 months)
Working in high security department for research and development involving strategic planning for medium and long-term projects. Research & Development projects including 128bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan. Forming relationships with major partners: Intel, AMD, HP and IBM.

Since then the sweaty masses have, frankly let their imaginations run away with themselves so I thought we needed to look at the situation more objectively, fact by fact.

It’s true that AMD and Intel are working on 128-bit chips, this is something that’s been out there for a while now. But Windows 8 can’t possibly be 128-bit only. The reasons for this are as follows.

Windows 7 is still, sadly, saddled with 32-bit compatibility. This is despite the fact that almost every modern processor supports true 64-bit computing. This is purely to maintain compatibility with older software (primarily in Microsoft’s most important market, business). XP Mode, the virtualisation plug-in that allows you to run older software in a licensed copy of XP, goes some way towards addressing this and many people are hoping that 32-bit support will be dropped from Windows 8 completely. Sadly though, it can’t happen.

This is because in order for XP Mode to work you need hardware virtualisation support on the motherboard and nowhere near enough motherboards yet support this. By the time Windows 8 comes out it’s possible that all motherboards will, but Microsoft have to get started on Windows 8 code now, and they can’t guarantee this will happen.

It is for exactly the same reasons why Windows 8 can never be 128-bit only. By the time the technology is mature enough Windows 8 will be ready to launch but the cost of the chips will still be extremely expensive. They will, I predict, only be used in server farms for hard-core virtualisation tasks on servers.

It’s much more likely that Windows 8 Server will offer full support for 128-bit architecture and that the feature will then be ported to the business and consumer editions of Windows for Windows 9.

The move to 128-bit in itself isn’t such a big job, but it becomes a nightmare when you consider that you also have to maintain compatibility with 32-bit applications. I can’t foresee a situation where we can have an operating system that supports 32, 64 and 128-bit code simultaneously while still remaining stable. The only reason that Windows 8 Server could support it is because the 32-bit legacy support has already been dropped from Windows 7 Server.

For all the people who want to see 128-bit support in Windows 8, forget it. Frankly you wouldn’t get any benefit from it at all anyway. No software will be written to support it for years to come, full 64-bit support in software is only beginning to appear now, and it will offer the average user or gamer no additional benefits over the 64-bit architecture you already have.

Unless and until the whole computing experience we use in our daily lives demands a move to such technology, it will remain in the server farms of the future.

Windows 8 To Be 128 Bit?

Everton — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:02:35 +0000

Windows 7 when it launched on October 22nd will include versions for both 32 bit and 64 bit users. It’s successor Windows 8 expected in 2011 was expected to only come in a 64 bit version, because Windows Server 2008 R2 was released in 64 bit form only and the next Windows OS was expected to follow suit.

However it is now believed that Windows 8 might ship in 64bit AND 128 bit versions, based on the linkedin profile of Microsoft employee Robert Morgan:

Working in high security department for research and development involving strategic planning for medium and longterm projects. Research & Development projects including 128bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan. Forming relationships with major partners: Intel, AMD, HP, and IBM.
Robert Morgan is working to get IA-128 working backwards with full binary compatibility on the existing IA-64 instructions in the hardware simulation to work for Windows 8 and definitely Windows 9.

Whether or not Windows 8 will support 128bit remains to be seen, but at this stage Microsoft are at least considering it. I’m not sure how likely this will be though; 64 bit adoption is still low and although this will increase by 2011 I just fear that adding 128bit to Windows 8 will create a poor customer experience like Vista 64 bit, where driver availability was poor.

Eight Forums have manged to track down Robert via linkedin and they claim that he’s agreed to give them an interview and he’s letting their readers ask questions. Questions have to be submitted by October 11th. If he really has agreed to do the interview, I’d be amazed if he still had a job at Microsoft on October 12th as news on Windows 8 is clearly embargoed at the moment.

(Unofficial) Windows 8 Wallpapers

Everton — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:40:49 +0000

There’s been no sign of any official news or Windows 8 media, but that hasn’t stopped talented designers pulling together their own. Rajesh Patel has created six Windows 8 Wallpapers that are available for download:

More: Tweaking Windows

How Long Until We Get Our First Windows 8 Leak?

Everton — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:11:36 +0000

There have been a number of fake Windows 8 leaks over the last couple of weeks, most of them probably packed with viruses and spyware which I’d advise readers to steer well clear off. As soon as a verified leak appears, you will hear about it first on this site.

My money is on a Windows 8 leak appearing in November after Windows 7 has been launched.

Windows 8 To Launch In 2012?

Everton — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:34:25 +0000

Windows 7 isn’t out the door yet, but Microsoft seem to be making good progress with Windows 8. A roadmap slide from Microsoft’s Italian subsidiary has Windows 8 penciled in for a 2012 release:

Note though that Windows 8 is down as approximately 2012. Even still, it looks like Microsoft are sticking to their 2.5-3 year release cycle, with Windows Vista launching Jan 2007 (it was late), Windows 7 in October 2009 and Windows 8 in 2012.

Windows 8 is also denoted as ‘codemane Windows 8′ – does this mean that ‘Windows 8‘ will not be called Windows 8?

I’m expecting big things from Windows 8. Although Windows 7 is a great release and adds several much needed improvements to Windows Vista, it’s still too familiar for me and doesn’t feel ‘new’ enough and I’m looking forward to getting a new OS to get my teeth into!

Why Windows 8?

Everton — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:51:16 +0000

Windows 8′s name was chosen because it will be the 8th version of Windows. Double-checking this isn’t as easy as you may think and trips up many people. Here are the Windows versions that preceded Windows 8:

Windows 1.0
Windows 2.0
Windows 3.0
Windows 95 (Windows 4.0)
Windows 2000 (Windows 5.0)
Windows Vista (Windows 6.0)
Windows 7 – Launching October 22nd 2009
Windows 8!

Now, some of you who are paying attention will notice that Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE and Windows Millennium. This is because:

Windows NT was actually treated asw Windows 3.1
Windows 98, 98SE and Windows Millennium shipped as 4.0.1998, 4.10.2222, and 4.90.3000

Now, to make matters even more confusing Microsoft have versioned Windows 7 as Windows 6.1. However, they are still treating it as ‘Windows 7′ because of the significance of the release.

There you go – hope that makes sense now!

Windows 8 Transformation Pack

Everton — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:48:33 +0000

We have our first set of Windows 8 Wallpapers! The Windows 8 Transformation Pack is from the same team who pulled together some of the early Windows 7 Wallpapers.

Within the pack are are Windows 8 Wallpapers and Windows 8 Login Screen backgrounds.

More: Windows 8 Transformation Pack

$200 Logo Competition Ends In 2 Days

Everton — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:47:39 +0000

You only have 2 days left to enter the $200 competition to design a new logo for Windows 7 News and Windows 8 News. There’s 2 days left to go and we need to pick a winner from the 190 entries so far.

Because there have been so many entries we need your help selecting a winner. Some of the entries are pretty awful, but some have potential. I’ve added some of my favourites below, but all of the entries can be seen at logomyway. If you’re a budding designer there’s still time to enter.

Windows 8 Will Have New Networking Features

Everton — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:19:47 +0000

Eagle eyed Stephen over at techwoo spotted the following in the LinkedIn profile of a Microsoft PM, which seems to indicate that Windows 8 will have some new networking features:

Evaluating and collating technical and business requirements for developing new networking features in Windows 8.
Designing features, functional specification and prototype for Windows 8.

I can only hope that Microsoft improve Windows 7′s HomeGroup capabilities, which mean well, but don’t quit deliver for me.

Unofficial Windows 8 Concept Video

Everton — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:33 +0000

The following video was not created by Microsoft, but by a UI team in Copenhagen. It nevertheless still shows some amazing new user experience features that would really make Windows 8 an amazing advance in the Windows series.

Check it out below!

Copenhagen User Experience from Copenhagen Concept.

Design A New Logo For Windows 8 News And Win $200

Everton — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:46:32 +0000

To celebrate the launch of Windows 8 News we’ve decided to run another competition! We need two logos, one for Windows 7 News and one for Windows 8 News, that will look amazing in the header and also as a thumbnail image. The competition offers any budding designers not only an opportunity to win $200, but to also display their talents to a large base of users, as all entries will be displayed on the site because readers will choose the best logo and the winner.

Rules:

No limit to the number of entries
Entries to be submitted via logomyway
Thumbnail logo must be 120×120
Main logo must be no bigger than 250 x105
Must work on white background
Decision of the editors will be final

If you’re not a designer, then don’t forget you’ve still got a week to enter our competition to win a funky $200 beanbag.

Windows 7 One Step Closer To Launch

Everton — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:35:44 +0000

Microsoft will start taking pre-orders tomorrow for Windows 7. Users who place Pre-orders for Windows 7 before the end of the special offer could save up to $100 off the full list price.

If you live in the US, Canada or Japan you can now pre-order Windows 7 for a limited time, so hurry and place your order now to save up to $100:

Windows 7 Home Premium: Usually $120 now $50 for a limited time
Windows 7 Professional: Usually $200 now $100 for a limited time

As Windows 7 ‘s launch on October 22nd draws nearer, all eyes will start turning to the next development release, Windows 8. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you up to date with all the latest Windows 8 news and rumours right here on this site.

Windows 8 Feature Wishlist

Everton — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:11:53 +0000

Although Microsoft don’t intend to make a big splash when launching Windows 7, it will probably be Microsoft’s finest release yet if the feedback from testers and readers on our sister site Windows 7 News is anything to go by.

There’s still plenty of room for improvement in Windows 8. Mike from the Windows 7 News editorial team has published a series of posts detailing what he’d like to see in Windows 8:

Features Mike would like to see improved in Windows 8 include a better explorer, improved libraries and game support. Personally I would like to see more options for organising multiple windows. Aero Peek helps, but I don’t want to go over to the sidebar everytime I want to locate one of the many windows I have open. There has to be a better solution that ALT+TAB and Aero Peek.

What features would you like to see in Windows 8?

Microsoft Hiring For Windows 8

Everton — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:39:19 +0000

Windows 7 is almost complete and due to be launched on October 22nd, and Microsoft are already turning their attention to creating Windows 8. To some this may seem premature, but putting together a new OS takes a considerable amount of work and much longer than the 3 years gap between Windows releases.

A recent job posting on the Microsoft job site gives some hints as to what we can expect in Windows 8:

For the upcoming version of Windows, new critical features are being worked on including cluster support and support for one way replication. The core engine is also being reworked to provide dramatic performance improvements. We will also soon be starting major improvements for Windows 8 where we will be including innovative features which will revolutionize file access in branch offices
We are looking for a strong lead who has the right blend of technical passion, leadership skills and testing experience. From a technical standpoint, we are looking for a candidate having an understanding of and a passion for large scale distributed systems. From a leadership point of view, you will need to be able to build the vision for the team, work with your development and PM counterparts on engineering excellence and effectively drive the quality of the component. In terms of testing experience, the ability to define and deliver test solutions affecting all release criteria (functionality, scalability, performance, stress, longhaul, security, etc.) is a must.

As more details of Windows 8 features become available, you’ll find them first on this site.

Welcome To Windows 8 News!

Everton — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:55:18 +0000

Dedicated to bringing you all the news & rumours about Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 8, which will replace Windows 7 in 2012/13. New to the site? Check out the Windows 8 FAQ. We also recommend:

The Archives to search all posts, checking out the latest Windows 8 Screenshots, Windows 8 Wallpapers & Windows 8 Videos
Visiting our sister site, for the latest Windows 7 News

Need help with Windows 7? Then join the Windows 7 & 8 Forum (over 3,500 members) for expert advice.