Microsoft's next version of Windows, which will presumably be called Windows 8, will be fast, support Bluetooth 3.0 and USB 3.0 and also be supported by a "Windows Store".
These are the main features of Microsoft's upcoming operating system, which hasn't yet been officially announced by Microsoft, since Windows 7 was only released in October and can be expected to have a year or two of sales ahead of it before a replacement is named. The information was 'leaked' online when a Microsoft enthusiast blog 'Microsoft Journal'
posted a preview presentation material that was reportedly given to Microsoft's OEMs. Immediately, these features circulated onine in tech sites.
So Microsoft's next generation OS will reportedly support
facial recognition software to notice whether you are in front of your computer or not, and then put the machine to sleep, or wake it up, accordingly.
Other features in the new Windows reportedly will include the ability to transmit video wirelessly to a television set. And there is also talk that the user interface in the new Windows will use 3D graphics.
The leaked presentation slides also include desriptions such as "Windows 8 PC's 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."
The OS reportedly will also integrate hardware improvements found in smart phones into desktops and laptops. The leaked slides claim, "Windows 8 can adapt to changes in ambient light, so that the display is always easy to see."
But most importantly, the leaked presentations refer to a
"Windows Store", which would allow third-party software developers to create applications. The slides say that Microsoft's partners believe that a Windows Store "can't happen soon enough," and think that an improved application distribution model, including a unified catalog and purchase experience, is a "critical component" to their success.
It's still much too early to know what Windows 8 will look like, and obviously too soon to be able to predict if Microsoft can add enough functionality to the software to get people excited about traditional desktops and laptops.