14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8 will be intelligent enough to detect the presence of users according to details from the recently leaked Build 7850. “Detect Human Presence” is one of the features which the operating system will sport, revealed in a screenshot courtesy of Windows8Italia.
There’s no telling what exactly this implies, but “Detect Human Presence” is listed in line with additional features such as the accelerometer, ambient light, detect your current location, orient your display automatically, proximity, etc.
One interesting mention reveals that “Sensors can detect information about your computer’s location, surroundings, and more.”
To me it sounds like Microsoft has been cooking a new application programming interface (API) for the next major iteration of Windows.
The new API, in concert with specific sensors would allow Windows 8 to be user-aware, while also being able to digest information such as geographical location, time of day, etc.
While it’s clear that the accelerometer can be put to very good use on next generation form factors such as slates /Tablet PCs, it’s a bit harder to guess what scenarios would involve a feature like “Detect Human Presence.”
Personally, and what follows is mere speculation on my part, I’d love to see “Detect Human Presence” be used for a Windows 8 version of Kinect.
Having Kinect for Windows 8 replace traditional webcams, while also allowing for a new step in the evolution of natural user interfaces (NUI) of the Windows client, would certainly put Microsoft’s operating systems ahead of rival platforms.
Imagine sitting down at your desk and having the Windows 8 machine waking up from sleep.
Kinect for Windows 8 would make it possible to sign into the operating system using nothing more than a gesture, or facial recognition.
And speaking of NUI, why not have Windows 8 launch the media player, or Internet Explorer 10, or Outlook, with specific gestures?
But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself. What do you think?
