Windows 8 Swapped Back for Windows vNext in Ballmer’s China Speech

For a minute there, it appeared like Microsoft had finally settled the whole Windows 8 vs. Windows vNext problem, and opted to use the first as the official moniker for the forthcoming major iteration of the Windows client. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

Despite using it internally since early 2009, the Redmond company has so far failed to confirm Windows 8 as THE label of Windows 7’s successor.

Instead, on the few occasions when it did talk about Windows 8, the software giant went with the generic “the next version of Windows” reference.

While in Tokyo, Japan earlier this week, and talking at the Microsoft Developer Forum, Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer dropped the Windows 8 bomb, and not just once.

“As we progress through the year, you ought to expect to hear a lot about Windows 8. Windows 8 slates, tablets, PCs, a variety of different form factors,” he said.

I could not help but wonder if it was the end for Windows Next and Windows vNext, and whether the time had come for Microsoft not only to start talking more about Windows 8, but also to actually call it as such.

After leaving Japan, Microsoft’ CEO attended China Be What’s Next & Awards Ceremony, in Beijing on May 24th.

Ballmer also mentioned Windows 7’s successor, but he made sure not to utter “Windows 8” at all.

“Last January we announced that the next version of Windows will support the next generation of chip technologies, so-called systems on a chip. From Intel and AMD, of course, but also ARM processors from Invidia, from Qualcom, from Texas Instruments, and potentially others over time,” he stated.

So it looks like Ballmer mentioning Windows 8 was a slip of the tongue at best, and that it’s back to Windows vNext for Microsoft.

I do have to mention that Microsoft is reportedly searching for a new brand to slap on top of the next iteration of Windows, one other than Windows 8, obviously.

This is all speculation at this point in time, and should be treated with a healthy dose of skepticism, as nothing has been confirmed by the Redmond company.

The first public Beta development milestone is expected sometime by the end of 2011, and my best guess is that the official moniker for the next version of Windows will be unveiled by then.

I’m also curious to hear your thoughts on the matter. Should Microsoft stick with Windows 8 as the final brand of the operating system, or should it come up with a new moniker, per the Vista or XP model?