Windows 8

Windows 8: Wish List of Features and Functions

Windows 7 is only 10 months old, but it's never too early to glance on down the road at Windows 8.Microsoft is keeping a tight lid on any information about "Windows 8." But back in June, leaked slides on the Web indicate that, with its next client OS, Microsoft will push for near-instant start-up times, integrated facial recognition technologies, support for USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0, compatibility across different devices through the cloud, and simpler streaming of movies and TV shows to any screen.It's clear that Microsoft intends to cover the increasingly diverse hardware landscape with Windows 8.Directions on Microsoft, an independent research firm, has some ideas of its own for the next version of Windows. In an as-yet-unpublished report, Directions on Microsoft Research Vice President Michael Cherry compiles a Windows 8 wish list consisting of faster start-up times, a timely release, coherent error messages and more.