What I’d Like to See in Windows 9

Windows 8.1 Update tidied up some of the issues that we all have with the intrusive start experience that windows 8 imposed on us and made WinRT applications slightly more acceptable to Windows Desktop users.  Windows 9 needs to do a lot to please me though.

I’m looking for some serious investments for the knowledge worker.  The companion device space, primarily 7-8 inch Tablets has had plenty of investment, what we need now is investment in those of us doing real intensive knowledge work.  That means investments in professional tablets, laptops and multi-screen/big screen experiences.  Here’s the shortlist of features I’m looking for in Windows 9 beyond a start menu (personally, not as an enterprise architect)

1. I want traditional Windows applications in the Windows Store.  Microsoft can deliver that by building App-V into Windows 9 and allowing App-V sequenced apps into the store.
2. For these traditional Windows Store apps I want their user state preserved in OneDrive, in the same way that WinRT apps do.  Microsoft can do that by mandating that in addition to App-V apps define their roaming settings using UE-V.
3. I want to be able to send my apps, desktop, audio and video to other PCs and set top boxes quickly and simply, in the same way that I can with my iPad using Airplay. 
4. I want updated app experiences for music, video, image and video editing that work well for desktop users as well as touch users
5. I want a seamless transition between desktop experiences and touch.  What I mean is that if I’m using Microsoft Office on my laptop and I unplug the keyboard and transition to tablet mode I want to use the touch optimised version of Office open with the same document at the same place, same for browsers
6. I want to be able to connect into my home network using Direct Access, just by having a single PC running Windows 9 on my home network.
7. I want desktop management APIs built into Windows 9 natively, so that BYO devices can be just enrolled for management in the same way that Windows RT devices can
8. I’d like to see a backup to and restore from Onedrive option, now that cloud storage is so cheap and bandwidth so plentiful
9. I’d like to see remote desktop everywhere, so I can RDP into my phone, my Tablet.  RDP easily and securely into my home network.  I want this for apps and desktops.
10. I want an advanced search interface, exposing some of the power that’s currently hidden away in statements like “name=windows, type=pptx”
11. I want the transparent tiles effect that’s in Windows Phone 8.1

The picture today is of Cleveleys beach, which is where I will be in the not too distant future!