Windows 8 to Sport New GUI Codenamed Wind, Reportedly

[Dave76]

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.

More...

 

[Gornot]

Wow, this sounds awesome. Nice read, thanks for this
So by the time Win8 comes out I'll need a new PC
Fair enough xD

 

[Spidey1976]

Sounds pretty sweet - 7 has been my favorite so far, especially with the addition of IE 9

 

[smarteyeball]

Sounds good - although I hope 'Wind' and vNext' are truly just codenames... because they are bloody awful

 

[z3r010]

Sounds good - although I hope 'Wind' and vNext' are truly just codenames... because they are bloody awful

Yeah, I can just see all the posts from people that have broken wind :sarc:

 

[Brink]

:roflmao:

 

[Dwarf]

Thank goodness SmelliVision hasn't been developed.

 

[pparks1]

And the starter edition will likely be offered with the wind knocked out of it.

 

[sygnus21]

Well there will be a change that’s for sure - what is only speculative....

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.

Same article - More...

 

[Win7User512]

170MB? My desktop will be good. I have 1GB. Laptop not so much. 128MB.

 

[Mercurial]

can't wait , everyone will be forced with 64bit now

 

[pparks1]

can't wait , everyone will be forced with 64bit now

Which likely won't improve the performance for 90% of them in the least.

 

[Lebon14]

(talking if it was true... but I know for a fact that they are only rumors)

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.

HOLY S--- Man, I see gamers staying on Windows 7...

One will be designed for usage in scenarios involving machines with limited hardware resources and for the 32-bit (x86) version of Windows 8.

I think MS will also include this theme on the x64 version of Win8. What make me thinks that is what if people doesn't have a video card with enough memory to run the "special" GUI? We'll have performance problems of course.

In addition, the software giant is said to discontinue the Windows NT UI for good with the upcoming release of Windows.

Awesome. That dull square grey UI is long declared dead by myself in fact - long dead... I mean since XP. Good riddance, I say.

Now we want screenshots

 

[Skulblaka]

Alright! I'm already getting excited.

 

[KazeNoKoe23]

Sounds good - although I hope 'Wind' and vNext' are truly just codenames... because they are bloody awful

Yeah, I can just see all the posts from people that have broken wind :sarc:

I lol'd.

Anyway, 170 MB just for the UI? Ehhh...I know most cards of today can handle that without a hitch, but that's a fair bit of memory. Hopefully the UI is improved enough to justify it.

 

[Gordan]

Nice

 

[sygnus21]

Anyway, 170 MB just for the UI? Ehhh...I know most cards of today can handle that without a hitch, but that's a fair bit of memory. Hopefully the UI is improved enough to justify it.

By the time the OS is released most cards will probably be at 2gig anyway so 170mb is nothing, and as you noted, even now it's not a problem.

 

[Ryan2320]

Thanks for the link,
very interesting

I guess my laptop won't work for the purposed "wind" feature only have 128MB

Ryan

 

[HammerHead]

Wind

I guess that will make the users "windy". That won't be a stretch for some of the current users any how.

 

[LegendaryU2K]

They need to focus on win7, instead of worrying about win8. There hasn't even been an official release date for the service pack 1 yet, and they are already talking about win8.