This week documents thought to show Microsoft's plans for the next Windows operating system were leaked online.
If the documents are correct, Microsoft has some big plans for Windows 8. Nearly 18 documents - supposedly confidential internal Microsoft plans - surfaced, including one called 'Modern Form Factors' that shows that Microsoft may be looking at three broad PC categories for the future: Lap PC, Workhorse PC, and Family Hub PC.
See also: Microsoft Windows 8 review
Here's a quick look at each category from the document, and some of the interesting things Microsoft may be thinking about. But keep in mind while you're reading that these are just broad goals (if they are even the real thing), and the document is more about Microsoft's general vision than an actual product roadmap. Nevertheless, take a look and see what you think.
Workhorse PC
The workhorse PC is essentially the PC you have today, but Microsoft wants to add a facial recognition and proximity sensor feature called 'My PC Knows Me', according to the leaked documents.
The basic idea is that you walk into the room where your PC is, and the proximity sensor detects your movements and wakes the PC. As you sit down at the desk, your PC is already on so it can scan your face to log you in. The computer can also switch between different user accounts with the facial recognition feature.
Once you've finished using the computer and leave the room, the proximity sensor detects that no one is around, logs you off, and puts the computer to sleep.
NEXT PAGE: Lap PC
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Comments
DrAT said: No doubt Windows 8 will be as incompatible with previous OSes as possible I hope MS will realise that some of us want to keep our old technology while it still works
Sam said: Which part of a power switch does nobody in Redmond understandIt works like this- You flick the switch The power goes off You flick it again The power comes onSee what I did there
Freda said: I think its scary I dont like it
Incony said: Because you can is not the reason why
Incony said: I spend a lot of time making my pc forget stuff The stuff i want it to forget gets bigger everyday where i was who i am what ive seen where i go Frequently and often i retain my singularity despite my pc thinking it already knowsWhy does Microsoft want to know meIt must answer that question before i give the answer not before else it is intrusion and i will seek every means to stop that
Jason said: All very nice but Id rather see Windows download and install updates when I want it to rather than interrupting whatever Im doing to say OMG reboot NOW
soulman said: Id prefer it if they spent time getting windows not to crash before embarking on things I dont want anyway I always switch my computer off to save elect and money Even when its asleep its still using power
Mike Perry said: What a terrible idea that is Imagine you want some else to read a message you have received It recognises them shuts down your account and opens theirs - so no message showing and they cant read it Not goodThen imagine you have a long process running and walk out to get a drink or use the bathroom PC shuts down and the process is lostHow stupid can M get
Mike J said: RICHARD BURNS are you a GenYer You folks seem to have nil qualms at all about personal info and privacy issues I am paranoid enough for the both of us but I am a Boomer
james said: My computer is in the living room - so does that mean it will always think Im wanting to use it Also when Im not using it I still like to leave it running so it can be downloading things I dont want it to go to sleep and log off just because im not thereI just dont think its possible for the PC to guess what I want to do with it based on where I happen to be - there is no link
RICHARD BURNS said: all i can say is AWESOME i couldnt care less about the privacy thing as i have done nothing illegal so i dont mind it that and im not paranoid
RICHARD BURNS said: all i can say is AWESOME i couldnt care less about the privacy thing as i have done nothing illegal so i dont mind it that and im not paranoid
Melanie Bell said: David Wood - Windows Live Mail is Outlook ExpressenwikipediaorgwikiWindows
David Wood said: I really wish that Microsoft would include Outlook Express in Windows 7 and future version
J.Davidson said: So how do we prevent Microsoft from adding freatures we dont want given that it is essentially us users that will be paying for Microsofts whims
Mr. Ficticious said: Ummmm can we say an even bigger invasion of privacy than ever before when my computer sees me come home from work and powers up as i strip out of my clothes its facial recognition goes to work and tells microsoft im home NO thank you I am my PCs master I tell it wake up or sleep I tell its camera when to see me IT has no choice in the matter