Longhorn might integrate Tablet PC and Media Center under a single platform

Longhorn might integrate Tablet PC and Media Center under a single platform

Windows XP meant the end of two separate lines of Microsoft Operating Systems (NT and 9x series). Now, with newer versions in the form of Tablet PCs and Media Center Operating System… Microsoft again have different version to keep a track of. The latest news in is that they are planning to drop the Home and Pro editions of the current XP OS and also integrate the features of the two new variants into their next big offering in the form of Longhorn.

So, users can now expect one giant Operating System, which would cater to all the markets from a desktop machine to Servers to entertainment consoles. Microsoft however would continue to offer “consumer” and “business” editions of Longhorn to cater to two broad audiences.

Microsoft representative Brad Brooks told the media: “Having more friendly names that more accurately describe what the products are is going to be a big focus for us. You will see very clear distinctions between what we are doing on the consumer side versus the business side.”

The new version is now expected to automatically change the outlook of the operating system depending upon what functions it has been assigned to perform. An example case being: When the system is taken out of the docking station, it should change the user interface, start managing power more efficiently, and adapt the screen resolution to the mobile display without any action from the user.

Users might be asked certain questions in the beginning to ease this transformation. All these are currently in conceptual stage and Microsoft should be able to have these tested in real life as a beta version is released in the coming months. They however have not clarified on what they are planning to call Longhorn in the retail version.