Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer Announces Windows 8 For 2012

During his Japanese Developer Forum Speech this week Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed that Windows 8 was “coming out in 2012” and that tablets would be a core part of the company’s newest OS platform.

Ballmer added:

“As we progress through the year, you ought to expect to hear a lot about Windows 8,” and “Windows 8 slates, tablets, PCs, a variety of different form factors.”

Windows 8 is expected to feature the Immersive UI which is influenced by the Windows Phone 7 interface with a “true finger touch.”

The announcement comes just a short time after Microsoft said they would focus on “three-year cycles” for their operating systems which puts the OS in line with their promised OS release schedule.

While not confirmed at this time there are rumors circulating that the company will show off the first signs of the OS at next weeks D9 conference.

What features would you like to see added to Microsoft Windows 8 that have not been included on the company’s offerings to date?