14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8 could feature a new graphical user interface codenamed Wind, according to a third-party source. With each new major iteration of Windows, Microsoft has also revamped the graphical user interface of the operating system.
Perhaps the most comprehensive overhaul of the GUI happened between Windows Vista and Windows 7, although the redesign had at its basis the UI evolution from Windows XP to Vista.
In this context, it’s rather a safe bet that Windows 8, or Windows vNext, will feature a redesigned UI. To what point? Well, this remains to be seen, but according to windows8italia (via winrumors), the changes will be extensive.
It appears that Microsoft is cooking two user interfaces for the next version of the Windows client.
One will be designed for usage in scenarios involving machines with limited hardware resources and for the 32-bit (x86) version of Windows 8.
The other however, reportedly codenamed Wind, will be tailored to 64-bit (x64) computers with powerful resources, as it is said to require as much as 170 MB of graphics memory alone.
Codenamed Wind would be the evolution of the current Windows Aero in Windows 7, but it will be taking the UI to the next level in Windows, including enhancing the UX with 3D effects, although it will also work fine with older monitors.
More importantly, Windows 8’s Wind will be dynamic, and intelligent enough to adapt itself to the user.
Windows vNext’s UI will be capable of speeding up workflow by creating shortcuts whenever necessary, and also making the icons tailor themselves to user needs and usage habits.
In addition, the software giant is said to discontinue the Windows NT UI for good with the upcoming release of Windows.
Of course, all these details need to be taken with a grain of salt. The Redmond company has yet to make public or confirm any information related to Windows 8.
And fact is that it will still be sometime before Microsoft is ready to unveil its Windows vNext plans to the world, and until then, such info remains only speculation and nothing more, so don’t be surprised if it turns out that the rumors were wrong.
Still, as I’ve already said, the one thing that I’m certain of is that Windows 8 will bring to the table a redesigned UI.