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Windows 8 To Include Direct Experience Platform?

Martin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:26:52 +0000

A recent patent by Microsoft reveals a new feature that could make its way into Windows 8. The patent calls it Direct Experience, and it basically speeds up the execution of media, and maybe other data, in the operating system.

This is done by circumventing some of the necessary steps to play media. In Windows 7 for instance, a user would have to start the computer, or resume from standby, login, wait until the desktop loads, before the appropriate application can be launched to play the media files.

Direct Experience checks for media to play before login. If media is found it can automatically launch a maximized media player and start playback mode.

direct experience

windows8 patent

Fig. 4 shows the user experience. The direct experience application needs to be loaded with the press of the button, but it may also be initiated by inserting media like USB devices into the computer.

The patent goes into further detail, and can be viewed in full here.

Described is a technology by which a computer system operates in a mode that is different from a general purpose operating mode, upon detection of a special actuation mechanism coupled to the computing device. For example, actuation of a special hardware button may boot or resume a sleeping computer system into a direct experience upon actuation, including by launching a special program corresponding to that button. The computer system may thus enter a mode in which it mimics a special purpose device such as a consumer electronics device, e.g., a dedicated media player. When in a direct experience, the computer system may also operate in a constrained/sandboxed mode in which operating system limits available functionality to less than what is available when running as a general purpose computer system, e.g., keyboard operation and/or file access may be limited. Different actuation mechanisms may correspond to different modes.

A feature like Direct Experience would be especially beneficial in mobile computing, considering that the devices might need less battery power to operate in Direct Experience mode. It also adds to the usability of the device, considering that it will speed up media playback considerably.

What’s your take on this? Would you like to see this in Windows 8? Let us know in the comments. (via Being Manan)

New Information Leaked On Windows 8

Everton — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:23 +0000

Some confidential Miicrosoft documents have been leaked online which give some clues as to what Windows 8 might include when it is released.

The information appears to have been presented at a Microsoft ‘Ecosystem Forum’ conference back in April. Details that I have managed to glean about Windows 8 from the documents include:

Adding GPS support to Windows 8 netbooks and laptops via the system motherboard or WWAN module
Further sensor improvements – HID, accelerometers, proximity sensors (cool – PC wakes up when you walk into the room!) etc
Focus on the “big 3s”: Boot Time, Shut Down Time, Batter Life continuing where Windows 7 left off – “Experiences: Time to first email received, Time to home page, Time to calendar or media playback…Windows 8 PCs 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”
Faster On from 0 Watts and Instant Sleep resume performance for mobile PCs
Better restoration tools and ‘Connected Help and Support” – ‘Windows 8 can be restored to the factory default easily. when resetting a Windows 8 PC, all of the files, settings and even the applications are restored. End users have confidence in resetting their PC without having to call support

Thanks to Daniel for the documents.

Windows 8 and Server “Next” to Be Developed in Parallel

George — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:19:51 +0000

The transition according to Microsoft for client and server operating systems are … minor…then major…then minor…etc. That is how server and tools unit president Bob Muglia sees it. Basically, Microsoft is sticking to a schedule presented several years ago. It stated that the server and tools unit would put out alternating minor and major versions every two years. The most recent update of the server version of Windows 7, called Windows Server 2008 R2, was a minor update. This update was completed last year.

What will the be the name of the next version of Server 2008? That was not revealed in the interview, but Muglia did point out that Windows Server “vNext” will be a major release of the OS. This is similar to the upgrade of Windows Server 2008 R2 as a minor upgrade to the plain version of Windows Server 2008.

“We’re not talking a lot about the next version of Windows Server today but I think what you’ll see is…that the learnings that we have from Windows Azure will be pulled back into Windows Server, just like there’s features in Windows Server and SQL Server that are being pulled up into Windows Azure and SQL Azure.”

Muglia did say that the next version of Windows Server is progressing in development alongside the next desktop operating system. As of yet, Microsoft is not displaying their cards about a formal codename, or list of features, or even a target date. But according to Muglia, the two teams, one on client and one on server, worked together side by side in the development process.

This goes with the development of the next version of Windows 7, probably to be called Windows 8. Why? Because of Steven Sinofsky.

Steven Sinofsky, whose position is president, of the Windows and Windows Live Division, has made an interesting feature known about how the development process of Windows has changed after he came to the helm of the project. He had been brought in from the Office team.

When Sinofsky was leading Office, Microsoft used product numbers. They did not use code names for future releases of the productivity suite. Office 2010, for example, was Office 14. The next version of Office has already been labeled Office 15.

So when Sinofsky moved over to Windows division, the follow up to Windows Vista became Windows 7, as Vista was Windows 6.0. Thus, it is only natural to assume, and apparently some of Microsoft’s own employees have done so, that the next version of Windows will be labeled Windows 8.

Windows 8 To Contain New Anti-Hacking Software?

George — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:08:47 +0000

Recently at the Microsoft Human Resources department, a new job position was posted in the area of computer security.

Microsoft Careers

“Our group is on a mission to build a rich, powerful platform to help protect Microsoft products against piracy. Here is your chance to join a team of exceptional developers as we build an extensible cross-company platform to support this vision. This is a fast-paced group that rewards smart and motivated individuals.

We are looking for an experienced software developer to help us design and build new anti-hacking mechanisms, hack detection, and work on the security processor driver. The work touches many layers of the operating system and includes opportunities for partnership with MS Research and other security teams at Microsoft to productize exciting innovations and ideas that help shake hackers and crackers off Microsoft products.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but the diversity of the problem space in this area is rich in growth opportunities just waiting for the right candidate. You will have ample opportunity to diversify your skill set and grow. In this position, you’ll get a chance to work on many aspects of the platform, starting with an assignment to drive the design of our application and Operating System (OS) virtualization support. ”

If software pirates, hackers and crackers always seem to be one step ahead of Microsoft it is in part because of the monumental position Microsoft holds in the technology area. It is a “badge of honor” claimed by some who feel that they have stuck it to “the man” by performing these odious tasks. Even when Microsoft has succeeded in locking down vulnerabilities, there is always the contest mentality of “I’ll bet I can hack into it.” Trinity would be proud.(see: The Matrix)

The modus operandi for Microsoft is that they must keep up with hackers new methods and continue to innovate and design new security technologies.

Some may consider anti-piracy measures similar to whistling in the wind, but that’s certainly not the case. I have posts in Windows7News.com, and ConnectedInternet showing how in many cases Microsoft has foiled anti-piracy efforts. Many believe that piracy is relegated to just illegal copying or theft. But that is not the case. Virus distribution and embedded malware, and privacy intrusion are typical features that result from piracy efforts.

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Additional Details about the position can be found here: Senior Development Engineer – Windows

Windows 8 to be Release July, 2011 … a Rumor?

George — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:57:49 +0000

I saw a documentary about Roswell, the place in New Mexico, USA that was supposed to be the place where an alien space craft went down. It supposedly was recovered by the US Air Force and had alien bodies among the wreckage. 60 years later, I smile when I hear how some people regardless of evidence or lack there of continue to believe wild stories about that event. The rumors persist…right?

Well, there are rumors about Windows8. Think of it. First of all, can MicroSoft really pull off selling a new operating system to have consumers buy this close to Windows 7, especially with the critical and commercial success of Windows7? If it had bombed, sure the public would be clamoring for a new one. But that is not the case.

Second, what can you expect from Windows8? To want people to buy the OS, it has to be radically different, otherwise, it will be considered a service pack to Windows7. The 128 bit rumor is around, but to make it really work as a 128 bit OS, then there have to be major rewrites of a lot of supporting software and hardware; otherwise, what’s the point? If the applications can not take advantage of the CPU to perform faster, it will be for nought.

Third, hardware technology must already be available to be incorporated into the next OS otherwise the time frame would be longer, maybe 2012, or even 2013. The technology may already have existed when Windows7 was being built, but was put off to wait for other hardware makers to design hardware around.

Fourth, the Windows8 kernel must be redesigned. If it’s just an extension of the Vista/Windows7 kernel, again what’s the point? Microsoft and their R&D team must be looking at what the next generation must be like, but with the emphasis on new technology.

So having said that about rumors, when will Microsoft release Windows8? From a spreadsheet designed by a Microsoft employee, the timeline is around July 1, 2011. That is a mere 17 months away. Here is a copy of the spreadsheet with the timeline not just for Windows8, but for other MicroSoft products.

Estimated Product Support Life Cycles

So here is the latest rumor. The spreadsheet picks the date of July, 2011 as the release date. What makes this spreadsheet is the supposed origin: a Microsoft employee; furthermore, it has been accurate in the past for the software timeline. Take it with a grain of salt; but the rumors may be true.

Source: TechSpot

Roadmap Spreadsheet can be downloaded here.

Intel to Integrate USB 3.0 into Windows8

George — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:22:22 +0000

One of the problems with talking about a future operating system is 1) the little news that comes out of Microsoft about it, but 2) it is hard to speculate two years out about technology that might change considerably between now and then. So we are left with rumor and wish lists and the like. Unless some company actually says something worth noting. In this case, Intel has announced that USB 3.0 will be an embedded product within the Windows 8 Operating System.

What is USB 3.0?

The original specification USB was released by a combination of manufacturers in 1996. These included, Intel, Compaq, Microsoft, Sony, Digital Equipment Corporation, IBM, and Northern Telecom.

On September 18, 2007, at the Intel Developer Forum a demonstration of USB 3.0 was presented. Two months later the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced that the specifications for version 3.0 were complete and was ready for the USB Implementers Forum, the managing body of USB specifications to decimate the specifications and monitor implementation.

A new feature is the bus, which provides a fourth transfer mode at 4.8 Gbit/s. This gives is a “Superspeed.” With the raw throughput at 4 Gbit/s, and the new specifications, it is possible to achieve a speed of 3.2 Gbit/s, which translates to 0.4 GByte/s or 400 MByte/s or more after protocol overhead.

USB 2.0 maxes out at 480 MBits/s. USB 3.0 is expected to max out at 5 Gbits/s. This dramatic performance improvement over version 2.0, makes it more desirable. However, these new data transfer rates while attainable by the USB hardware, my not be easy to implement.

The USB 3.0 Icon

Current Timeline of Release

Consumer products are expected to become available sometime in 2010. With commercial controllers are expected to enter into volume production by April 2010.

In September 24, 2009 Freecom announced a USB 3.0 external hard drive.
Following that on October 27, 2009 Gigabyte Technology announced new P55 chipsets motherboards for computers that included an onboard USB 3.0.

On January 6th, 2010 ASUS release a USB 3.0-certified motherboard. . They had to comply with spesifications approved by the USB Implementors Forum to ensure compatibility between motherboards and peripherals.

Windows 7 and Linux

Drivers are under development for Windows 7, but initial support was not included with the initial release of the operating system. But on the other hand, the Linux kernel has supported USB 3.0 since version 2.6.31. That version was released in September 2009. This means that for the time being one complete system for end-to-end testing and development for USB3 is now available on the market.

USB 3.0 Super Speed Certified

Intel and AMD

Intel will not support USB 3.0 until next year, 2011. This will undoubtedly have the effect ofl slowing down mainstream adoption. These delays are related to problems in the CMOS manufacturing process.

AMD indicates that the new southbridges released in the beginning of 2010 will not support USB 3.0. Some market research from In-Stat predicts the relevant market share of USB 3.0 not begin to take hold until 2011.

Windows 8

At the CeBIT Global Conference in Hannover, Germany, Intel Manager Steve Peterson, attending said that USB 3.0 would become mainstream with the implementation of the next iteration of the Windows client operating system, Windows8. Intel is working with Microsoft to make sure that the hardware will work with Windows 8. It will fully support USB 3.0 Windows 8 integration. Although products featuring the USB3.0 technology have been release after the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the current expectations for USB 3.0 are that only high-end PCs will feature USB 3.0, as a general rule.

Intel expects Windows8 and the continuing evolution of computers to make USB 3.0 readily available. But, Intel, however, is not optimistic when it relates to the mainstream adoption of the technology. Apparently the technical details and specification to overcome are still problematic.

Source: Intel Intel and USB

Intel to Support Windows8 and USB 3.0

Windows 8 – 128bit Rumours Were Fake?

Everton — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:46:34 +0000

Last month a number of sites, including this one, picked up on rumours that Windows 8 would support 128-bit processors. The main ‘source’ of the rumours was a Robert Morgan who was a “senior member of Microsoft’s R&D team” who leaked information about Windows 8′s 128 bit capabilities on his LinkedIn profile.

However, it looks now like the information was fake and that Robert Morgan never actually existed:

The LinkedIn page has since been removed (cached version)
When questioned about Robert Morgan, Microsoft have replied that “Microsoft has no comment regarding Robert Morgan”

i.e. Microsoft have made no attempt to quash or confirm any leaks that have been made, maintaining the official radio silence around Windows 8. As George has stated on our sister site, the official position from Microsoft is that Windows 8 is under development and that’s all they are prepared to say for now.

That’s not to say that Windows 8 won’t support 128bit processors, but it looks like this particular leak was probably started by sites looking to benefit from the traffic. It was a nice story, but unfortunately it looks like we are still waiting for the first set of concrete information concerning Windows 8.

Windows 8 ‘Confirmed’ for 2012 Launch

Everton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:52 +0000

More and more evidence is emerging that Windows 8 will be released in 2012. At this years Professional Developer’s Conference (PDC 2009), budding attendees managed to get their hands on two Windows roadmap slides that show ‘Windows 8′ launching in 2012:

Now these slides don’t really provide any information that we didn’t know; Microsoft typically leave 3 years between each release and with Windows 7 launching this year, Windows 8 was always likely to be in 2012. It is unlikely that Microsoft would pull Windows 8′s launch forward to 2011 because it would impact Windows 7 sales with customers delaying upgrades, and unlikely they would delay until 2013 as Windows 8′s development seems to be progressing quite nicely.

Source: Microsoft Kitchen

Windows 8′s Known Knowns

Everton — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:12:01 +0000

Long after Donald Rumsfeld has died, he will be known (sic) for one of the worst quotes ever:

There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.

Now although information about Windows 8 will eventually become available, rather than the lack of information to this day about WMDs, Windows 8 details still remain sketchy. Here are Windows 8′s Known Knowns:

It will be called Windows 8 and there’s even a Windows 9 in the pipeline
It will be released no earlier than 2012 – it is unlikely it will be released in 2011
It will have new networking features
It will include 128 bit support and will see the end of 32 bit Operating Systems
It won’t be Microsoft’s last client based OS - Steve Ballmer says that won’t happen for 10-20 years.

Hopefully soon we will unravel Windows 8′s known unknowns and unknown unknowns!

Windows 8 To Be 128 Bit?

Everton — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:02:35 +0000

Windows 7 when it launched on October 22nd will include versions for both 32 bit and 64 bit users. It’s successor Windows 8 expected in 2011 was expected to only come in a 64 bit version, because Windows Server 2008 R2 was released in 64 bit form only and the next Windows OS was expected to follow suit.

However it is now believed that Windows 8 might ship in 64bit AND 128 bit versions, based on the linkedin profile of Microsoft employee Robert Morgan:

Working in high security department for research and development involving strategic planning for medium and longterm projects. Research & Development projects including 128bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan. Forming relationships with major partners: Intel, AMD, HP, and IBM.
Robert Morgan is working to get IA-128 working backwards with full binary compatibility on the existing IA-64 instructions in the hardware simulation to work for Windows 8 and definitely Windows 9.

Whether or not Windows 8 will support 128bit remains to be seen, but at this stage Microsoft are at least considering it. I’m not sure how likely this will be though; 64 bit adoption is still low and although this will increase by 2011 I just fear that adding 128bit to Windows 8 will create a poor customer experience like Vista 64 bit, where driver availability was poor.

Eight Forums have manged to track down Robert via linkedin and they claim that he’s agreed to give them an interview and he’s letting their readers ask questions. Questions have to be submitted by October 11th. If he really has agreed to do the interview, I’d be amazed if he still had a job at Microsoft on October 12th as news on Windows 8 is clearly embargoed at the moment.

Windows 8 To Launch In 2012?

Everton — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:34:25 +0000

Windows 7 isn’t out the door yet, but Microsoft seem to be making good progress with Windows 8. A roadmap slide from Microsoft’s Italian subsidiary has Windows 8 penciled in for a 2012 release:

Note though that Windows 8 is down as approximately 2012. Even still, it looks like Microsoft are sticking to their 2.5-3 year release cycle, with Windows Vista launching Jan 2007 (it was late), Windows 7 in October 2009 and Windows 8 in 2012.

Windows 8 is also denoted as ‘codemane Windows 8′ – does this mean that ‘Windows 8‘ will not be called Windows 8?

I’m expecting big things from Windows 8. Although Windows 7 is a great release and adds several much needed improvements to Windows Vista, it’s still too familiar for me and doesn’t feel ‘new’ enough and I’m looking forward to getting a new OS to get my teeth into!

Windows 8 Will Have New Networking Features

Everton — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:19:47 +0000

Eagle eyed Stephen over at techwoo spotted the following in the LinkedIn profile of a Microsoft PM, which seems to indicate that Windows 8 will have some new networking features:

Evaluating and collating technical and business requirements for developing new networking features in Windows 8.
Designing features, functional specification and prototype for Windows 8.

I can only hope that Microsoft improve Windows 7′s HomeGroup capabilities, which mean well, but don’t quit deliver for me.