Microsoft Windows 8 is rumored for release sometime in 2012, and company CEO Steve Ballmer admits the newest Windows OS could be Microsoft's riskiest proposition. The company wants to have a new OS release every three years, and doesn't want to mimic the five-year gap between Windows XP and Vista.
There has been some talk that Microsoft planned Windows 8 for the end of 2011, and an early 2012 launch is a delay. There was earlier talk of a July 2011 Windows 8 launch, but anything prior to holiday 2011 seems highly unlikely.
As Microsoft continues to receive praise for Windows 7, there is absolutely no need for Microsoft to rush another OS. Specifically, Windows 7 has sold at least 240 million licenses over the first 12 months -- and has overtaken Windows Vista as the No. 2 OS behind Windows XP's 60% marketshare.
The new Windows OS will hopefully have faster start-up times, higher power efficiency, resume faster from sleep mode, and have more reliable drivers. Microsoft also will embrace USB 3.0, a possible Windows App store, facial recognition, and other next-generation features that aren't as widely used today.
Ballmer has worked to help bring Microsoft into the cloud, but cloud-based software could help pose problems for Windows. Microsoft executives believe devices ranging from PCs and notebooks to smartphones and portable gaming systems could utilize cloud-based services.
Microsoft will also have to deal with touch-based features that Windows 7 won't be able to meet by the end of the year. Windows 7 touch optimizations are expected in early 2011, with native touch support to be included -- but until then, tablet makers will be hesitant to promote touch further.
