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. It may get its first public showing at D9 next week.
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. It deviated with Vista after virtually restarting the OS from scratch but now appears to be back on track. Getting the OS on time could be vital since the company has effectively conceded the current tablet market to Apple's iPad without either an optimized version of Windows or an upsized version of Windows Phone.