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Windows 8: Next-Generation GUI Confirmed
Though it has been implied by some behind the pearly gates of Redmond – and speculated by many more outside of them – I’ve run across a bit of confirmation regarding Windows 8 containing a next-generation GUI (Graphical User Interface). Meng Yang, a Software Development Engineer at Microsoft, has an updated LinkedIn profile describing her current work venture as:
“Designing and developing next-generation graphical user interface framework for Windows 8.”
While that’s just one tiny little sentence, it confirms just enough to leave even more room for speculation than before. Just what exactly does Microsoft consider, “next-generation” for Windows 8, anyway? Does it simply mean what’s to come in the next revision of Windows, or does it imply something much more grand and elaborate (the most radical rumor going around is that Microsoft may do away with Explorer in Windows 8; I don’t see that happening, personally)? A couple of months ago, I posted an internal brainstorming mock-up for Windows 7 effects – of which, the final product contains absolutely none of. Perhaps Windows 8 will revisit some of those ideas and have them implemented in some form or fashion. If you missed that video, catch it here:
Click here to go to this video on YouTube to rate it, comment on it, etc.
Something else to ponder is the speculation of Windows 8 being strictly 64-bit. As many of you know, Microsoft planned for that to be the case with Windows 7 but decided to renege. I’m not so sure that 2012 will be any different, but maybe it will, considering how well 64-bit has finally caught on. There are still some issues to be ironed out, but for the most part, 2012 just might be a realistic goal for Microsoft to finally push the 64-bit-only initiative. Do you think Microsoft will do anything differently if they decide early on to nix 32-bit when developing this next-generation GUI?
We’re at the end of the post and even with Meng Yang’s insight, we’re right back where we started: Just having to wait and see.
-Stephen
http://msftkitchen.com
haha, no i dont think so.
Wow! You mean Microsoft aren't going to close up shop and stop developing operating systems once they get 7 on the market? Who'd have thought it!!!!
Oh boy… here comes the douchebaggery sarcasm. *rolls eyes*
Damn, I thought this blog was low profile enough to avoid the douchebags, but apparently not.
I don't even know what they're talking about, and I don't want to lower my IQ level to adapt.
Anyway, I can only read the quote in one way, and it sounds pretty definite!
Exciting! I kind of imagined Windows 8 would be a greater leap in terms of UI than Windows 7, which aimed more to polish Vista into bloody near perfection.
There were however IMHO hints even in Windows 7 that the new project lead with Sinofsky was aiming more than before to improve the UI. When was the last time we saw a new toolbar and/or these window management features?
The best Vista could do was the useless Aero Tabbing thing, but I was happy to see new more clever visions this time around. It bodes well for Windows 8.
Thanks for this blog paying such a good attention to the few details trickling out of Redmond.
Besides.. That he uses the word "framework" seems to imply something pretty elaborate and major to me. I consider the DWM in Vista as one "framework", and the new ShellStyles in XP as another "framework". It smells more than prettier icons in other words.
@Jug: Thanks for your viewership, as well as your kind and supportive comments. I really appreciate that. =)
And, yes… I read into it the same way as you in regards to the mention of, "framework." That defintely sounds major. And you're absolutely right about Sinofsky and the aim to improve the UI. I absolutely love the new taskbar!
All-in-all, it's exciting that this cycle is starting all over again. The early stages between Windows releases (up through about Beta 1 or so) are the most exciting times for me through development. =)
-Stephen
I think a new frame work would mean something really different from Windows 7. they will be redoing every single thing. i can't wait!
I think there are exciting times ahead for Windows users.
Maybe Windows will move more into the cloud but for now I will enjoy 7 and look forward to the next iteration. And the next beta cycle.
I think Windows made a bad move announcing Windows 8 before Windows 7 is released. However, I think Windows 8 will be more hardware intensive which is indicated by Intel Core i7. Maybe our PCs today will be obsolete by 2012?
I guess we will see a new Direct2D/DirectWrite based framework that will replace the old GDI based User32/ComCtl32 controls.
I'm sure that the Windows devision will not use WPF as their UI framework.
we are including WDDM 2.0
for your knowledge guys
I think Windows 8 will be more hardware intensive for sure!