The version of Windows that succeeds Windows 7 will include a 128bit architecture, according to an embarrassing leak from Microsoft's research and development team in the US.
Leak reveals plans for 128bit OS
See also: Microsoft Windows 8 review
Microsoft employee Robert Morgan appeared to detail the software giant's plans for Windows 8, and even Windows 9, on business networking site LinkedIn, where he listed his job as 'senior research and development'. His profile has now been removed from the main LinkedIn site, but is still viewable in Google's search cache.
In it, he says he's "working in high security department for research and development involving strategic planning for medium and longterm projects".
He goes on to say his R&D projects include: "128-bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan". He's also responsible for "forming relationships with major partners: Intel, AMD, HP and IBM".
Windows 7, due to become available worldwide two weeks today on October 22, is available in both 32bit and 64bit versions.
Indeed, we've had the option of 64bit versions of Windows since Windows XP Professional x64 Edition was launched May 2005. But while XP's successor, Vista, is also available in both 32bit and 64bit versions, the latter has failed to take off in a big way.
64bit computers, which can address more RAM and are theoretically more powerful than 32bit equivalents, are likely to become more popular with Windows 7. A 128bit version of Windows 8 would represent the next leap in performance.
According to Microsoft's plans to release a new desktop version of Windows every three years, Windows 8 is scheduled to become available in 2012.
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Comments
erewegoagain.... said: How does all this fit in with the world becoming net connected amp computer savvy The rich all-consuming dominating bullying US amp hangers-onUK Europe etc will have everything amp the third world will have nothing As usual Little wonder that the terrorists have their day with all their new recruits fed up with being thrown leftovers amp told they cant have what weve had amp squandered for decades We never learn do we You can push people around for only so long Its all a game to make money for the haves amp screw the have-nots amp like sheep the western consumers followpoor foolsgoing into debt for the latest must-have cant-live-without item to replace the last one that still works fineBill Gates can go fk himself Stupid cruel world 2 pcs built myself with XP pro which Ill run as long as I can
Cliff 01 said: Picture the scene Boasting in the pub Ill just call the wife on my nice new shiny Blackberry to tell her that I am bringing you home in my nice new shiny BMW to show you my nice new latest windows OS Oh yeh Just toys for boys 90 of the worlds population just dont need the latest of everything thats available especially an OS I reckon XP probably does everything most people ampbusinesses require and after youve shown all yourmates will be used no differently Thats why Im not in the race 3 PCs running XP
Ex Plorer said: If its changed every three years will this make it more difficult for people to hack and spread virus etc or no difference at allWill manufactures keep updating drivers from 32 to 64 128 bit for printers and scanners or will we all be forced to buy new equipmentAs I am new to digital photography will my new DSLR still be recognised as we move through the higher bit computingOr is it we all change PCs laptops cameras etc every three years to keep up with technology
paul said: Some businesss are not even using XP yet still using 2000
Cyteck said: The reality is that until such a time when the vast majority of both hardware amp software companies write amp supply 64bit device drivers then a 64bit OS or some 64bit version of windows desktop client of the future wont become mainstream on the desktop Further more the true test will be when large numbers of 64bit home machines are common in the home PC arenaAnyway the desktop PC will become more amp more integrated with the TV The almost inevitable end result with be one piece of digital kit which is combine PC amp flat panel TV In other words an internet connected TV which can be run in either digital broadcast mode to receive TV programs via conventional channels or internet mode for web searches amp digital downloadsetc TV amp PC in one both web connected It may or may not include a version of windows and it may or may not be 64bit This reality is not far off anyway give this 5years maximum
Phoenix198 said: Squillary got it right This article is nothing more than a mash up of very loosely connected articles and quotations You didnt have a hand in the infamous 45 minutes dossier did you
cakeboy said: they carnt get 32bit apps to run on 64bit vista because of the hype about intel multi cores they carnt run 32bit apps at the same time as 64bit apps AMD chips can and do
Brian said: Are Microsoft stupid Most businesses arnt even on Vista yet
Verludern said: So when does the Windows Closed version happen
Ian, Glasgow said: So Win 7 has a shelf-life of only 3 years I feel vindicated in my decision to not bother changing my operating systems If my Vista laptop dies in the next 3 years then no doubt Ill replace it with a Win 7 laptop If my XP desktop dies then an OS-free one so I can install Linux will do fine - nobody NEEDS more than one Windows PC at a time
Druid said: As I understood it the early indications were that to take advantage of the 64 bit processors and technology available Vista would be a 64 bit operating system to make the hardware work at its most efficient But then they couldnt get the 32 bit applications to work with 64 bit Vista so hey ho most of the Vista Systems on sale are 32 bit versions running on 64 bit hardware Not exactly the best use of the technology ehSo now they are talking of a 128 bit OS but will it finally emerge as another 32 bit OS because other software will not work with it
Squillary said: Windows 8 You must take people for mugs Just as all the speculation ends with W7 you have nothing to run with so you start with W8 This is just feeding your next couple of years magazines and doing no-one any goodIll let you into a secret Theres a W9 10 11 12 on their way But theyre secret Shall we start speculating now W8 is dead
Jurgen said: 64 bit computing is held back in the UK by the Memory suppliers reluctance in obtaining the memory that some of the motherboards require like 4GB modules at 1066 I know as I have built my own 64bit PC and cant get any memory modules at 1335 So what chance has 128 Absolute zero to slow to catch a cold in this county although Babbage and Turin got their before the yanks we still give them all are best stuff for nought and get nought in return So much for British investors couldnt see rich pickings if they hit them in the face
geeby said: someone should tell the third party software companies most of them dont even support 64bit yet