The future of the Windows taskbar

Posted on Friday, July 20 2007 @ 2:25 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Patent applications from Microsoft give an insight in where the Windows interface might be going to in the near-future. ARS Technica reports:
The patent describes a "method for managing windows in a display" that seems to describe a method of task switching that is neither Taskbar nor Exposé, but something in between.

The patent describes a user interface with multiple windows on a single screen, much like every graphical user interface in use today. It then describes how the traditional Taskbar interface is used to switch between windows, but that a more effective way to manage said windows is to use a new technique called "clippings." Clippings are smaller regions of the screen—by default, they comprise the top left corner of single window—that are attached to the standard name and icon that normally appear in the Taskbar. Windows can be turned into clippings by minimizing the window or dragging it to a special area of the screen..


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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