Apple may not be alone in keeping certain projects under wraps. Eighteen documents, which appear to have been part of an internal Microsoft presentation regarding the upcoming Windows 8, were first published on various Usenet newsgroups, and have now migrated to various websites, blogs and news channels.
How real are these slides? They’re extraordinarily detailed, and stamped with “Microsoft Confidential” and “Windows 8 Discussion–This is not a plan of record” on every page. Of course, they’re also riddled with grammatical errors, so if this is a genuine document, it’s definitely not one meant to be shown to partners or clients.
So, assuming the slides and information in question are genuine, which appears to be fairly likely, what can we expect from the next-gen Windows?
The PowerPoint slides include projections of up-to-date technology for the next Windows, such as faster boot times, support for USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0, touch input, and HD video relevant features. More intriguing are next-generation features such as facial recognition, wireless 3-D displays, attention detection, and easier self-diagnostics.
According to the leaked presentation, Microsoft is focusing on reducing the time it takes for Windows to start up time, as well as providing a one-touch restore button that will return the PC to its default settings without deleting any user information.
With Windows 8, Microsoft is planning to launch an application store from which users will be able to buy apps for PCs and other devices that run Windows. One slide describes it as “Store as a Service” and notes that Microsoft sees its developer army as a significant advantage to getting up and running quickly. Previously it has been rumored that the next version of Windows will launch in 2012, which isn’t too far away now.
