Thanks to some enterprising sources at Microsoft, we now have the first concept screen shots for Aero, the UI for Longhorn, the next version of Windows. And although the details of Aero's design could still change dramatically before Longhorn's release in late 2005, the UI screen shots here are indeed real, according to people I've spoken with at the company.
They show an evolution of the task-based interface in today's Windows XP, with Activity Center-like windows that provide simple and easy-to-find front ends for common tasks. Microsoft representatives with whom I've discussed the screen shots note that the company is committed to ending user confusion by providing clear entry points to user tasks.
Most of the current crop of Aero screen shots concentrate on Longhorn's multimedia capabilities; this Windows version will finally fulfill Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates's goal of making Windows the center of our digital lifestyle. In Longhorn, users will be able to manage digital devices such as cameras, portable audio players, speakers, and USB memory fobs in ways that aren't possible in XP.
Longhorn leaks to web
Longhorn Aero Screenshots
Comment