Microsoft to retire Windows?

New operating system under development rumoured to be replacement for Windows for the internet era

Alternatives to Windows could be on the way

Microsoft is believed to be developing an internet-oriented operating system to keep up with the pace of change in technology and the way people use it.

The system, codenamed Midori, is reported to take a completely different approach to the Windows-style model of software running entirely on a user's computer. Industry rumours suggest the platform could emerge as a potential replacement for Windows as it eliminates the reliance on a single PC.

It is claimed that the rationale behind the project is centred around rivals’ work in virtualisation and the fact that Windows, a significant source of income of Microsoft, is falling behind in terms of mobile connectivity and multi-device data processing.

The software giant told the BBC that Midori is “one of many incubation projects underway at Microsoft. It's simply a matter of being too early in the incubation to talk about it."