14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is gearing up to give a taste of the upcoming Windows 8 NUI evolution as early as next week, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans. The software giant has already offered sneak peeks at Windows vNext on several occasions this year, but with the exception of confirming System on a Chip support including for ARM architectures, details on the next iteration of the operating system are scarce, and provided mainly by third-parties or through leaks.
In fact, Microsoft has yet to confirm the upcoming Windows 8 demo for the ninth D: All Things Digital event which I told you about last week.
The one thing that was indeed confirmed was the presence of Steven Sinofsky: President, Windows and Windows Live Division at the D9 Conference (Rancho Palos Verdes, California between May 31-June 2, 2011).
As I’ve already said, Sinofsky showcased the next version of Windows both at CES 2011 and MIX11 earlier this year. The Windows boss will also unveil new aspects of Windows 8 next week, and he’s most probably also going to provide additional details on the platform later this year.
The upcoming Windows 8 demo from D9 will put the operating system’ natural user interface at center-stage, according to reports.
Obviously, Windows 8’s NUI will only be demoed in concert with next generation hardware. In this regard, sources reveal that that the demo will involve next generation form factors, specifically a slate or Tablet PC.
A Windows 8 flavor tailored to tablets will be unveiled, with emphasis on the evolution of multi-touch interface.
From what I’m hearing, Sinofsky will reveal the work that Microsoft has done to seamlessly blend together the NUI and the GUI. Information on the Windows team’s efforts around MoSH (modern shell) and the Immersive UI have already made their way in the wild.
Windows 8 GUI + NUI is adapted to emerging form factors, including those powered by ARM architectures, such as the device featuring Nvidia’s Tegra microprocessor that Sinofsky will use next week.
Customers should get ready to see something else in terms of user interface than the Windows Aero design they’re already accustomed to, although Aero will continued to be sported by Windows 8, albeit somewhat in a secondary role, pushed to the background, with MoSH and Immersive grabbing all the spotlight.
Personally, I don’t expect all that much from next week’s Windows 8 demo, not even the confirmation of an official moniker for Windows vNext. There will be some new information to keep interest alive, and maybe increase its momentum, but the gist of Windows 8 details will only come later in 2011.