Midori Archives

Winsage

August 9, 2024

Microsoft almost ditched Windows’ spaghetti architecture for a cloud-based OS but mysteriously sent it to an early grave

In 2008, Microsoft began developing Midori, a cloud-based operating system intended as a successor to Windows, featuring a modern web browser interface and backward compatibility. The project was discontinued in 2015, but Microsoft indicated that elements of Midori would be integrated into future projects. Midori led to the creation of a new programming language, M#, aimed at enhancing performance and security. By 2013, it had moved to a structured development phase within Microsoft's Unified Operating System group before being shelved in 2015. Some features from Midori may have influenced Windows, particularly with updates in Windows 11, which includes AI-driven tools and user-friendly enhancements. Windows 11 is gradually increasing its market share as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches.

Winsage

August 8, 2024

Microsoft was planning to replace Windows with a cloud-based OS called Midori

Leaked videos from a confidential Microsoft meeting revealed details about the now-canceled Midori project, which ran from 2008 to 2015. The project aimed to transform Microsoft's software ecosystem, focusing on cloud technology, concurrency, safety, and interoperability with Windows. Key team member Joe Duffy discussed a device driver model where third-party code would operate outside the kernel, allowing the operating system to isolate failures. Microsoft claims that insights from Midori are being integrated into future initiatives, including Windows 11, despite the challenges posed by Windows' existing architecture.

Winsage

August 7, 2024

Did you know about Microsoft’s secret post-Windows operating system?

Microsoft Windows is the leading desktop operating system, managing over a billion machines globally. Windows ME is often considered the least favorable version. Microsoft initiated a research project called Midori, aimed at creating a cloud-based operating system that would decouple software from hardware, leading to the development of a new programming language, M#. Midori became a project within Microsoft's Unified Operating System group in 2013 but was discontinued in 2015, with Microsoft stating that insights from it would inform future projects. Midori aimed to create a new software stack and prioritize cloud computing, challenging the traditional Windows architecture. Joe Duffy, a former project member, has shared insights about Midori after its cancellation. Although Midori was never launched, its focus on cloud computing and security likely influenced later Microsoft projects like Azure and OneDrive. Windows continues to be Microsoft's main operating system focus, with anticipation for a potential Windows 12 release.

Winsage

August 7, 2024

Microsoft was developing an alternative to Windows — Midori OS presentation leaked online

Microsoft developed an innovative operating system called Midori, designed to run Windows applications independently of legacy code. The project was officially shelved in 2015, with insights from Midori redirected to other software initiatives. Recently, undisclosed videos from 2013 have surfaced, featuring Joe Duffy, a key member of the Midori team, discussing the project's objectives and design. Despite its cancellation, some innovations from Midori have influenced Microsoft's current offerings, particularly in Windows 11 for ARM, tailored for Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors. The reasons for halting the project remain unclear, though the knowledge gained is said to be repurposed elsewhere.