Windows 7 is still early in its lifecycle, but Microsoft is already hard at work on Windows 8. Some preliminary indications of where Microsoft is taking the OS emerged on Monday when Windows enthusiast Francisco Martin leaked part of a PowerPoint presentation that the company allegedly gave to HP. Its emphasis was on making PCs that are "always on" and make widespread use of sensors and built-in Web cams to enhance the user experience.
The "always on" concept is simple in theory: PCs should wake from "sleep" mode instantaneously. But it will be a different story in practice. Power management in Windows has always been tricky, because there are so many OEM configurations in the Windows ecosystem. A large OEM such as HP may be able to enhance its performance, but I question whether Microsoft will meet with the same success across the board. There will always be cheaper PCs loaded with commodity hardware and bad drivers that will not perform reliably unless Microsoft becomes more demanding.
Microsoft must get power management right if it wants to remain competitive. It is facing rising competition from devices such as Apple's iPad, and there will likely be a gaggle of gadgets based on Google's Chrome OS. The value proposition of the iPad is that it powers on instantly, and gives the user what they want. Its workflows are simplfied, and the interface is straightforward. Microsoft must play catch up to be a contender in that class of devices. I do not think that porting Windows as we know it to a slate will be a good enough solution.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Windows 7 is selling very well, and is popular with users. The company has also shown that it can push the innovation bar (when it wants to). Windows Phone 7 is an example of how well Microsoft can perform when its back is against the wall, and Windows is now facing what is perhaps its first real competition. Microsoft is demonstrating innovative thinking with its use of sensors and imaging in Windows 8. For instance, users will be identified through their Web cams, and machines will "wake up" when proximity sensors are tripped.
How that will change Windows applications, I do not know yet. I'd imagine that Microsoft would want its partners to offer apps that build on those capabilities. There must be a compelling reason for end users to sit in front of their PCs when more and more smart devices are replacing the functionality of the desktop computer. A good developer experience can help make that happen. Microsoft needs developers now more than ever. I hope that it has more up its sleeve.