Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Microsoft Bob to be included in Windows 7

I have a close friend who works at Microsoft, who told me yesterday that starting with the next beta release of Windows 7, the traditional Explorer GUI will be made optional. By default, the new Microsoft BOB 7 will be the GUI on capable computers (Experience Rating index of at least 6.2).

The new BOB 7 GUI will feature the reappearance of Rover (last seen in Windows XP as a search assistant), as well as the rest of the original BOB cast, as well as many new characters. They will all be rendered live in 3D, taking advantage of DirectX 11's new features.

According to my friend, he hear Melinda Gates say "Maybe BOB will actually have some users now that it'll be shoved in their faces. Then maybe my dream of conquering the world through my husband's brainchild using cute yet obnoxious helpers and clunky, unusable interfaces... Maybe BOB's prophecy will be fulfilled." She followed this comment with maniacal laughter.

I think this is a great idea. I really need an anthropomorphic yellow lab to help me balance my checkbook. I can't do it myself.