Windows 8 to be released in 2012

Windows 8 isn't the official name, but Microsoft's CEO referred to it as such and claimed a 2012 release date. It may not be the end of Microsoft slapping random acronyms onto their software, or like Vista, just random words. Well, why should PC gamers care? Mostly because Microsoft claimed the new operating system would be a powerful gaming force, rather than a hindrance to it. They have been saying that for a while, but one of the more promising signs was Fable 3 being a proper PC game rather than a hasty port.

At this point it seems like the new thing in Windows 8 will be it's suitability for tablets, netbooks, and lower-end machines. We don't know much about what's to be in Windows 8 except for what few things we could find on very early leaked builds and test feedback. We assume it will be a ribbon-based interface, like the new Office 2011. It'll also have  native PDF and ISO reading, a new theme (as always) and, most tellingly, an app store. That could be good news for games, as long as it doesn't become a complete and utter disaster.


As Ballmer said at a Tokyo press conference, reports Develop, “As we look forward to the next generation of Windows systems, which will come out next year, there’s a whole lot more coming. As we progress through the year, you ought to expect to hear a lot about Windows 8. Windows 8 slates, tablets, PCs, a variety of different form factors.”


You can find various proto-screenshots of the new OS’s early, internal builds on the Windows Supersite, if you really want to.