Wouldn't that be a novel idea? Instead of the boring, and often WTF-worthy user pictures, how about W8 users get to create their own Windows Avatar akin to the ones found on the Xbox 360? The avatar could represent your profile on Windows, and could make little appearances in certain apps, like built-in games, the help menus, etc.

The previous post brings up an even better thing. Since W8 is most likely going to attempt to bring the whole "It's a big internet community!" motif, MS could perhaps code a Second Life-style game/chatroom featuring the avatars.

In fact, they could see a lot of money in extensions/accessories to the avatars.