A number of web sites are publishing what are claimed to be leaked Microsoft documents that reveal many details about the future Windows 8 – including a new facial recognition feature for automatic logins. However it’s far from clear whether the documents are genuine or a forgery.
Parts of the documents mention Apple’s success with several references to the design and functionality of Apple products.
The documents were first screened by Windowsette, an Italian Windows enthusiast site which claims to have obtained clandestine Microsoft presentations outlining Windows 8’s direction. The files have since been published on a number of English-language sites including Microsoft Kitchen and Microsoft Journal.
They appear to promise faster start-up times, support for new connectivity standards such as USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0, as well as new types of displays including wireless 3D and HDTV devices. Users should also be able to transmit video wirelessly to a television set.
Windows 8 will also make it easier for users to self-diagnose and repair OS glitches. Some documents display a prototype Windows 8 all-in-one desktop, which some suggest has striking similarities to an Apple Mac.
The facial recognition technology is said to notice whether a user is in front of the computer or not, and then put the machine to sleep, or wake it up, accordingly.
