If you recently upgraded to Windows 7 you're probably thinking, "What? Another version of Windows?" Yes.
Microsoft is expected to release the next version of Windows dubbed, Windows 8 to the public sometime next year.
From the look of the video (embedded below) they used to preview the operating system, it looks like development is pretty mature, so a 2012 release date isn't far-fetched.
One of the biggest changes that you will find in Windows 8 is the merging of Windows Phone 7 (using the Metro interface) and Windows 7. Think of it as the recent announcement of the Lion update for Mac OS X where Apple brings the best of its mobile operating system to the desktop.
The key difference is that you will be able to experience a mobile operating system and a full-fledged desktop operating system with all the bells and whistles in one box. Windows 8 also brings System-on-a-chip or SOC which enables hardware partners to use Windows 8 in applications where a traditional PC would not make sense.
We will cover Windows 8 leading up to the release and beyond so stay tuned.