Microsoft in the same Japanese Developer Forum speech that revealed 500 Windows Phone feature adds also confirmed persistent beliefs that Windows 8 would ship next year. The “next generation of Windows systems” was coming out in 2012, the CEO said. He also referred to it as Windows 8 by name and made it clear that tablets would be a core part of the platform.
“As we progress through the year, you ought to expect to hear a lot about Windows 8,” he added. “Windows 8 slates, tablets, PCs, a variety of different form factors.”
Microsoft is known to be working on a more tablet-optimized interface for Windows 8 that would be based around the Immersive UI, a Windows Phone-influenced tile interface with true finger touch.
A 2012 release for Windows 8 wouldn’t be surprising as Microsoft has almost always insisted on a three-year cycle when possible for new Windows releases.
