The Microsoft Windows 8 operating system, which will serve as the successor to this month's Windows 7 OS, will include a 128-bit architecture, an accidentally released internal memo from Microsoft indicates.
The Win 8 project reportedly includes "128-bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan," Microsoft employee Robert Morgan accidentally said on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a social networking site for employees to list a brief profile with education and work experience, which is where Morgan made the mistake of discussing his current projects for Microsoft.
The gaffe by the research and development team employee indicates Microsoft is looking ahead to the 128-bit architecture for use with Win 8 and Win 9, but other details remain under wraps. Because of this embarrassing mistake, it's likely Microsoft will warn developers to avoid disclosing confidential details -- again -- on social networking sites.
Picking up on the 64-bit trend, Microsoft has offered both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of its various operating systems since Windows XP in 2005, the company's most popular OS as of late.
Windows 7, scheduled for release on Oct. 22, will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit configurations. Microsoft Vista, the XP successor that flopped miserably, also is available in a 32-bit and 64-bit version -- even though the industry is moving towards 64-bit, the lack of 64-bit-compatible software has left many PC users frustrated.
Assuming Win 7 is the type of OS consumers are expecting, the adoption of 64-bit computing could explode due to Windows 7, analysts predict. I've noticed how PC users who don't consider themselves PC enthusiasts have noticed the press around Windows 7 -- and software and game developers interested in creating 64-bit programs and video games must reduce the number of bugs that plagued previous releases.
