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Microsoft's Windows 8 game plan (images)

A slide deck, which appears to come from an April 2010 meeting with PC makers, outlines where Microsoft is headed with Windows 8.

Ina Fried
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley.
Ina Fried
All-Eyes-on-Apple.png
1 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

All eyes on Apple

Microsoft outlines some of the successes that Apple has had in the marketplace.

The slide is part of what appears to be an April presentation on Windows 8 made to PC makers. Microsoft has declined to comment on the slides, which leaked to the Web this week.

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Windows-8-Differentiation-Goals-03a.png
2 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

Eyeing the iPad

The "slate" form factor is one of three shapes that is identified as a "center of gravity" for Windows 8, alongside laptops and all-in-ones.

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Windows-8-Differentiation-Goals-08.png
3 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

What PC makers want

Microsoft said it has heard feedback that those who build PCs want Windows to be simpler, better suited for small devices, and to offer better support for touch and gestures.

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Windows-8-Energy-Efficiency-Development-Areas-of-Focus-01.png
4 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

Waking up Windows

Power efficiency appears to be a key area of focus for Microsoft, particularly getting Windows started up quickly, both from sleep and from a zero-power state.

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Windows-8-Consumer-Target-Audiences.png
5 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

Enthusiasts and 'humans'

In this slide, Microsoft talks about the importance of designing features for both enthusiasts, who make a lot of computer buying recommendations, as well as ordinary consumers, who make up the bulk of Windows users.

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Windows-8-Facial-Recognition-Login.png
6 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

Windows 8 never forgets a face

Among the features Microsoft is said to be considering for Windows 8 is one that uses a Webcam for facial recognition to identify and authenticate users.

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Windows-8-Windows-Store-01.png
7 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

An app store of its own

This slide outlines plans for a "Windows Store" within Windows 8 that would provide a centralized place for users to get software for their PC.

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IE-9-Beta.png
8 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

Internet Explorer 9

The slides also offer some details on Internet Explorer 9, suggesting a fully-featured beta of the new browser is planned for August.

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Windows-8-Product-Cycle.png
9 of 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Kitchen

The road map

This slide appears to outline the development plan for Windows 8 as well as for Windows Live and Internet Explorer.

Return to story: "Windows 8 leaks show Microsoft's eyes on Apple"

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