What does the iPad mean for the Windows 8 interface?

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.