14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft could offer the first taste of its next major iteration of the Windows client in early January 2011, sources close to the company claim. Between January 6 - 9 the focus of the technology world will be on Las Vegas for the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Traditionally, the event was keynoted by Microsoft co-Founder Bill Gates, but since Gates retired, the software giant’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer took over.
According to The NY Times, Ballmer will take the stage at CES 2011 to demonstrate a range of upcoming devices, planned for consumer availability throughout 2011 and beyond.
What’s interesting is that sources with knowledge of the software giant’s plans indicate that there’s a possibility for Windows 8 to make an appearance at next year’s CES.
This piece of information has not been confirmed by Microsoft in any manner, as the company doesn’t comment on speculation. In this regard, it’s more of a rumor than anything else.
Still, Ballmer could reportedly showcase a slate as well as additional companion devices running Windows vNext, or more popular Windows 8.
Fact is that Windows 8 has been in development for quite some time now, with planning started ahead of the finalization of Windows 7.
The company already hinted that Windows 8 will be tailored to Tablet PCs to a greater degree compared to its predecessor, especially since it’s confronted with the need to provide valid competitors for Apple’s iPad.
There already is somewhat of a precedent in terms of showcasing an upcoming Windows release before it hits the Beta development milestone.
Microsoft demoed Windows 7’s touch capabilities offering a sneak peek at the new Aero UI in early 2008, almost a year before the Beta shipped to early adopters for testing.
Make no mistake about it, Microsoft is already dogfooding very early versions of Windows 8, and there are some companies close to the software giant that are in on the plans for the next version of Windows.