What you need to know
- In 2008, Microsoft started working on Midori, a project that could potentially replace its Windows operating system.
- Midori was a cloud-based operating system packed with new features and a web browser with a modernized interface and supported backward compatibility with Windows.
- Microsoft jumped ship and abandoned the project in 2015 but promised to integrate elements of Midori in future projects.
As a long-time tech enthusiast who can still remember the thrill of installing Windows 95 for the first time, I must say that Microsoft’s Midori project has always intrigued me. It’s fascinating to think about what could have been if this ambitious cloud-based operating system had come to fruition.
Microsoft has a strong reputation, particularly recognized for its Windows operating system. To put it in context, Microsoft’s Windows holds a significant portion of the market share in desktop operating systems, as stated in Statcounter’s most recent report.
As a researcher delving into the history of technological advancements, it’s fascinating to consider the significant role the internet played in the widespread acceptance of the Windows operating system. The launch of Windows 95 marked a pivotal moment, as it was the first operating system equipped to navigate the web, thereby bringing Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ vision of a PC in every household closer to reality. However, what might surprise you is that Microsoft almost abandoned the development of its Windows operating system as late as 2008.
Is Windows just Midori under a different name?
During that period, the advent of the internet opened up fresh paths and uncharted possibilities for Microsoft, compelling them to reconsider their strategies. As a result, they embarked on creating a new operating system, known as ‘Midori’, which was intended to possibly supersede Windows (as reported by LaptopMag).
Microsoft aimed to capitalize on the internet’s widespread accessibility to decouple software from hardware, thereby transitioning Windows’ intricate, spaghetti-like architecture to a cloud-based operating system called Midori. Although cloud-based solutions offer numerous advantages, they also encounter their share of difficulties, as evidenced by incidents like the problematic CrowdStrike update that disrupted Microsoft services.
Beyond its fully cloud-based nature, Midori demonstrated significant potential, offering standout features and an innovative web browser. This browser featured a sleek, contemporary user interface that maintained compatibility with Windows systems.
Without a doubt, the scale of this project was immense, leading to the creation of a novel language called M# (“M sharp”), an expansion of both C# and Sing#. This new language’s primary purpose was to improve performance and ensure greater security.
In 2013, the operating system demonstrated great potential and was moved from a theoretical concept to the Unified Operating System team at Microsoft. However, in 2015, Microsoft decided to discontinue Midori. Notably, they pledged to incorporate the planned enhancements and innovative features intended for Midori into future projects.
Although most of these plans were kept within the company, certain ideas might have been implemented through the Windows operating system. On his Twitter account, previously known as WalkingCat, some nostalgic videos featuring Joe Duffy (now CEO of Pulumi after leaving Microsoft) discussing in-depth details about the Midori project have surfaced.
Microsoft consistently delivers enhancements aimed at improving user experience and introducing premium features in its operating system, as demonstrated by Windows 11, version 24H2, which introduces advanced AI tools such as Live Captions, Windows Studio Effects, and others. However, these features will only be accessible to users of Windows 11 who own Copilot+ PCs.
In other locations, Microsoft’s efforts to persuade users to shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11 appear challenging. Yet, this month, there has been a noticeable increase in Windows 11’s market share, suggesting that users might be yielding to the pressure as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 gets closer.
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2024-08-08 12:09