This rumor deals with differences of opinion about the two user interfaces that will allegedly come with Windows 8.



As a reminder, Windows 8 will essentially support two kinds of applications.

1. The classic Windows application, which will run in a desktop very similar to the Windows 7 desktop.
2. HTML5 and Javascript applications which will look more like a mobile application, filling the full screen.

Our source says that there are conflicting opinions at Microsoft regarding the way forward here.
Some parties feel strongly that Windows 8 should be split into 2 separate operating systems with two separate development teams. – and that there should be no integration between the two. This way there would be two separate interfaces for two separate products. This would essentially be an Apple approach – iOS for the mobile devices and OSX for Desktops/Laptops.
Another group thinks that Windows 8 should be one ultra flexible OS that allows the user to switch between interfaces. The argument (which seems to be winning) is that Windows 8 needs to do something different and that the critics, markets and developers will be happy with maximum flexibility.
There apparently is also a debate about whether all versions of Windows 8 will allow dual interfaces or whether the desktop interface will be the predominant version and more expensive versions of Windows 8 (Ultimate/Enterprise etc) will allow for both.
This is a RUMOR – We cannot validate the truth of the story.

Link:
New Rumor: Differences of opinion at MSFT re: Windows 8 dual interface strategy | Windows8update - Comprehensive Windows 8 News and Information

As is everything concerned with Windows '8' at this stage - all rumour nothing factual yet.

I think Windows 8 is going to bring forth a lot of ideas that will be further refined later on; much in the way that Vista brought about a lot of ideas that were further refined in 7, Windows 8 will be the doorway to a new UI. I wouldn't be surprised if the dual user interface actually happens, though. If anything, it might be a good idea. Allowing an application to use the entire screen instead of just part of it will really boost the user experience, causing them to feel even further immersed in the application they're using.

Still news of the new OS though, rumor or fact, it's something to know about.

Two UI's certainly make a lot of sense. But two seperate development houses do not make sense. The cost would be prohibitive and they would have drifted apart in no time.

I think many of the people that are still holding off on e.g. tablets do so because they are waiting for an OS that is compatible with what they know. I am one of them, although I am quite impressed with the little I know about QNX and the RiM playbook.

Apple I would not buy out of principle and Android is held together by shoestring and rubber bands. And HP with their WebOS messed up real good with their entry into the market.