Microsoft patents 3D interface, to be part of Windows 7?
By Jonathan Schlaffer
While we’re all still busy trying to figure out just how Vista works, Microsoft is busy chiseling out the framework and working on Vista’s successor. Windows 7 is reported to be on schedule for a late 2009 release and it may have a few tricks up its sleeve as well.
Microsoft has patented what it calls the “Creation of three-dimensional user interface.” It was filed way back in 2006 and may be in some way related to Windows 7, at least Istartedsomething thinks so.
The “Teapot” interface depicts a teapot with various dialog boxes and open applications on it. What this means is anybody’s guess.
My guess and it is just that, a guess, is this could be related to the way applications are swapped or could be a representation of virtual desktops. Much like how there is a 3Dcube transition for XP and Vista, this could be a built-in transition between desktops or applications for Windows 7.
I think Microsoft may have taken things a little too far with its application by providing a diagram with an actual teapot that would be used to contain a delicious hot beverage.
On a related note, it is widely believed that Microsoft has pushed up the release date of Windows 7 because the market has been so utterly disappointed with Vista. While it is a bit resource heavy, on new computers, for which it was designed for, it does just fine. But, still many see it as this decade’s Windows ME or an “interim” release until the real “Vista,” Windows 7 comes out.
Related:
Entry was posted
on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
under 
Print This Post
Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.
