Rumor is that Windows 8 beta is not far off.

Rumor is that Windows 8 will release at end of the year.



Windows 8 Nears Beta

Why would they need to do that? Isn't Windows 7 performing magnificently?

Of course if the reason is "to get more money," then this argument is moot.

Money it is

Personally, I'm happy with 7 as it does everything I want and keeps getting "improved" with updates. Thing is, Microsoft isn't making money on free updates.

Microsoft's primary product is Windows. They always planned to "replace" it every three years to generate income. But, they have not been real successful at launching a new version that frequently.

FWIW: Even the company believes Windows 8 is a risky thing to do -- according to the CEO.

Yeah, 8 is too early. We're just enjoying 7.

IMO, things like a new version of MS Office every year is just stupid.

Windows 8 will support both ARM and x86/x64 processors. Microsoft want to join tablet market now owned by Apple and Google.

I seriously doubt they'll release 8 this year just because that would be only 2 years. There are still far too many people using XP. I could see them not wait until Oct 12 to release it, but I think it will be sometime in early 12.
Besides, at this point in 2009 we were already hearing a lot about Win7. MS isn't going to try and cram out the marketing for a new OS in less than 6 months!



The Jedi Master

I agree the final version is unlikely this year. That's good because I am in no hurry to update my OS.

I would think what is remotely feasible this year is a "public beta" or public RC test.

As the OP quote points out, the actual commercial release is more likely at the end of next year. Still, its interesting to read that MS is pushing to get Windows 8 out sooner than later.

However, given Microsoft's propensity to "slip" ...

I think that's why they're pushing so hard now. They recognize the likelihood of a slip, so by targetting an earlier release you build in your margin and it's more likely to be done, in a Win 7-ready (and not Vista-unready) state, at the time they want it out.

For my home PC I went from 98 to XP, skipping 2000, and then XP to Win 7, skipping Vista. Unless there's something only 8 can give me that I really want, I foresee skipping 8. Especially if 9 comes out in 2015.



The Jedi Master

Windows 8 is pretty much Windows 7 SP2, the same way people see Windows 7 as Vista 2.0, lol.

Looking at the limited beta previews floating around, its the same as Windows 7 in many forms, with newer features to take advantage of newer tech, I doubt Windows 8 will be 32 Bit, but will have a “32-Bit Mode”

Like Windows7, Windows 8 is also a CORE BASE, with several different versions coded from that,
So you have versions for different hardware profiles/environments, but they all run the same Core Code, so they are all compatible with each other:

Corporate – Designed to Run on Servers and Advanced Networks
Home Users PCs – The Standard Windows
Tablet Versions – Designed to be operated around A 100% Touchscreen GUI and ARM Processors.
Mobile/Netbook Versions – Designed to Run on Low Memory/CPU Systems, ie Cellphones, and those $80 netbooks.
Live Version – The Ultimate/Corp. Version will have a Live DVD Feature to make a Bootable Windows O/S on a CD.

and Several peeps at MS were given the Boot for leaking videos,images, and ISOs of the Beta O/S.

To the extent that Windows 8 represents a major expansion to other hardware platforms, it is perfectly justified and value added (in my opinion, of course).

I was not aware the expansion was to be as broad as indicated. Thanks for the info

MS wants Win 8 on tablet's, PDAs and netbooks.

Most Netbook's I've seen are still running Windows CE, Because they dont have the resources to Run Windows7.
Same with most of the Commercial PDAs I've Seen, I've seen a few with windows mobile 5 I think.

To Windows7’s credit, I’ve installed it and run it cleanly on a old single core Sub-500MB Ram laptop.

MS Wants Windows 8 to be able to Run on any device: cell phone, pda, netbook, tablet, laptops, PC, server, and other things like DVR settops, etc, the Windows 8 source is incredibly flexible.

I think Windows 7 can do all of the above, but does not support ARM processors and a few other things.

I think one of the Motorola DVR DCT Units uses Windows 7 MCE as a Program Guide in certain cable markets.

Yup, Im gonna Have a Win8 Powered IPad Clone in the Future



Thank You,
William,
Store 125 Receiving

X2 on the ipad clone w. W8.

MS has wanted system on chip tech for years, while Android and iGizmo have been having all the fun. My guess is that the rapid development of Win8 is more about MS competing in the mobile market, rather than adding anything drastically new for home PC users.

Either that, or they're still trying to recover from Vista's low sales