Next Microsoft® OS to bridge PCs, tablets

Rather than create separate operating systems for both traditional PCs and tablet computers, Microsoft® is reportedly designing the next installment of its Windows® to be ideal for both platforms.

Given the company's dominance in the PC market, it makes sense that Microsoft wouldn't want to isolate its PC software business. To address the differences between tablets and PCs, Microsoft will introduce a special interface to Windows 8 that optimizes the touchscreen capabilities of tablets.

In a post on Microsoft's Building Windows 8 blog, Windows division president Steven Sinofsky notes that the company considered starting with a clean slate for its tablet operating system, which he refers to as “Metro” computing. However, he writes, users shouldn’t have to compromise when using Windows.

"Our design goal was clear: no compromises. If you want to, you can seamlessly switch between Metro style apps and the improved Windows desktop," Sinofsky states. "Existing apps, devices and tools all remain and are improved in Windows 8."

Microsoft evidently sees a future in the tablet market, though others doubt it will experience the same level of success as it has in the PC market. According to research firm In-Stat, Google’s Android™ and Apple’s iOS® will account for 90 percent of the tablet market through 2017, with Windows coming in a distant third.