Microsoft in sessions and talks following its Windows 8 preview has confirmed that its OS will have very high resolution display support. Developers are being asked to produce 100 percent, 140 percent, and 180 percent resolutions for artwork in anticipation of 250DPI and higher "HD" screens. The hardware itself should arrive within the "next couple of years," Steve Troughton-Smith heard during one session, but the OS had to be ready in advance.
The development would see Microsoft trail Apple in adding support, albeit by about one year. Apple already has anticipatory support for "HiDPI" resolutions like 3840x2400. Both are aiming for a more print-like appearance that makes text easier to read and improves accuracy for photo previews.
Separately, however, Microsoft's Xbox Live programming director Larry Hryb confirmed that Windows 8 will represent the first version of the OS with Xbox Live built-in. Although details are vague, it's promised as much more than the Games for Windows initiative. A lone screen cap shows that it will have the tile-based fall 2011 Xbox 360 Dashboard with games, music, social networking, and video as options.
Some questions have been left open, such as cross-platform game compatibility, live TV, and other features that having Xbox Live might allow.
Xbox Live alludes to Windows 8 downplaying the traditional Windows Media Center interface. It may not necessarily replace the old platform completely but will carry significant overlap.
