Microsoft Tags Windows 8 as “Windows.Next,” Thinks Its Revolutionary

By Dena Cassella February 11, 2010

With Windows 7, Microsoft appears to finally have hit the sweet spot in terms of public reception. Now that it has put the painful Vista years behind it and found a formula that works, you would think it would stick to the newly proven formula that’s earning it boatloads of cash. And yet Microsoft is hungry for more and willing to take more risks.

A Microsoft employee recently posted an MSDN blog describing just how revolutionary Windows 8 will be. They describe, “So how am I referring to the next version of Windows without saying that many words – well simple – Windows.next:) This is definitely not the official version but a version that is becoming common along my circle.”

He continues, “The minimum that folks can take for granted is that the next version will be something completly [sic] different from what folks usually expect of Windows – I am simply impressed with the process that Steven has setup to listen to our customers needs and wants and get a team together than can make it happen. To actually bring together dozens and dozens of teams across Microsoft to come up with a vision for Windows.next is a process that is surreal! The themes that have been floated truly reflect what people have been looking for years and it will change the way people think about PCs and the way they use them. It is the future of PCs…”

Doing something “completely different” with the next version of Windows would be a bold move for the world’s largest software firm. Set to air in 2012, according to recently leaked roadmaps, Microsoft may be planning a whopper of a surprise for the public. Microsoft has previously stated that in July it will be turning its focus onwards from Windows 7 on to designing and refining the next version of Windows.

The MSDN blog that contained the Windows 8 details currently is down; it may well have been pulled. However, the full text is available here, cached on Google.

However and whenever Windows 8 approaches the market, we certainly hope that Microsoft continues with one of the key programs that made Windows 7 such a huge success – its unprecedented public test candidate program. With Microsoft following similar practices with Office 2010 and other products, it seems likely it will.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Haole built. O'ahu grown

Computing

Insane deal gets you Microsoft Office for Mac or Windows for $25

Box for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 edition.

One of the worst parts about using the Microsoft Office suite is paying for it. Often, again and again, if you buy the subscription-based Microsoft 365. In the past, contributors have written defenses of using Microsoft Office over the Google suite for this very reason. It feels hard to justify the price. That is, until it doesn't. Just now, we've found a great deal that gives you Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac or Windows at a price point of just $25. That's $204 off of the typical $229, and feels basically free in comparison. Check out the version you want and get this deal while its still active by tapping the appropriate button below. Alternatively, keep reading for an overview of the apps provided, an overview of the subtle differences between the Windows and Mac versions, and some important tips about the software.

Why you should buy Microsoft Office 2019
When we compare Microsoft Office vs Microsoft 365, there are a few differences, but one major one: Microsoft Office is a static, single-payment service and Microsoft 365 is a subscription service. They each have advantages (the subscription service gets updates on the regular) but for a deal like this, you definitely appreciate getting the Microsoft Office license.

Computing

Bundle deal gets you Windows 11 and Microsoft Office for $50

Box for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 edition.

If you've got a Windows computer and a professional life, you'll probably eventually want to get your hands on the Pro version of Windows and a complete Microsoft Office setup. They're quite expensive though, and buying Microsoft Office can be tricky, with some modern version requiring a regular subscription for Word, Excel, and the rest of the gang. Right now, however, you can get a lifetime license for the All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows set and a Windows 11 Pro license as a bundle for just $50. Usually this bundle would cost $428, so you'll save $378 if you go ahead and purchase at this time. Just tap the button below to find the offer or keep reading for more information about the services.

Why you should buy the Windows Office + 11 Pro Bundle
So, what are you getting with this bundle? It's pretty simple, but also pretty powerful. Here's a rundown of everything included.

Computing

How to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

Laptop screen showing the Windows 11 Start Menu reverted to classic.

When you first boot up your new PC, your Windows 11 Start Menu is going to look the way it does for every new Windows user. But this isn’t to say you won’t be able to change the appearance of this critical menu. In fact, Windows 11 offers all kinds of customization options, and the Windows 11 Start Menu is just one of these dashboard you can adjust to your liking. Here’s how to access all the settings and toggles you’ll need to get the job done.