Geoff Spick21 April 2009, 2:12 PM
With Windows 7 not even have hit the streets yet, but Microsoft is looking for new blood to lead the development of Windows 8, do you fit the bill?
The position of Lead Software Development Engineer in Test is an odd-sounding job being advertised on the
Microsoft jobs board (Windows Live login required). It actually sounds rather uninspiring and the area does sound one of the more technical parts of the system. The post involves working in distributed systems, networking and file systems working on Microsoft's Distributed File System Replication product.
From the post, "DFSR is Microsoft’s premier file replication engine and is an integral
part of our branch office strategy and File Server role. It can scale
to thousands of servers and replicate hundreds of terabytes of data."
However, the interesting bit of the advert is "We will also soon be starting major improvements for Windows 8 where we
will be including innovative features which will revolutionize file
access in branch offices."
While this is a new position, jobs mentioning Windows 8 have been advertised as far back as 2007, mostly in the
visionary and technology side. However, it is good to see specific features and roles being assigned. So, we can assume Windows 8 work is well underway, which begs the question, what do you want to see in the next Microsoft operating system? Given that most of us haven't seen the newest one yet, a few things have crossed our minds:
Instant-on BIOS interactivity - The BIOS makers have been trying this for some time but it will probably take either an Intel or Microsoft push to make it mainstream. Wouldn't it be nice press the "On" button on the PC, instantly choose "Check email" or "Browse web", do a task for 30 seconds then turn it off.
Big screen mode - Think of those business jockeys with their huge screens and lots of little app windows. In a few years time the price of HD sets with PC connectivity will be down and instead of a single desktop, so you have a dozen different screens for your usual usage scenarios and zap between them. Or, every application on your system runs perpetually and only pops up to bother you when a change is noticed.
Uniface - How many passwords, usernames, avatars and log-ins do you have? Isn't it time there was just the one? With advances in security it might even be possible to have your bank details linked in and we can finally forget having to remember your first pet's name or your mother's favourite plant. Again, not a new idea, but one that badly needs implementing at an operating system-level for everyone, not just people who bother to investigate the third-party apps that can do this.
Unisys - Alright, name change required - but in a similar vein to Uniface, how many systems, mobiles, gadgets and other devices do you own? Now, how about if every bit of digital property that you own was accessible across all of them, that'd be neat.