What is the next big thin(g)k from Microsoft ?

A few weeks back someone told me that Microsoft is working on Windows 8 which is slated to be released sometime in 2012. I am given to understand that there are several users who are yet to make a switch to Windows 7 from XP; especially the enterprise desktop users. I wonder if there is really a need for Windows 8 at all? I don't want to see Microsoft repeating the same mistake which it did with Windows VISTA which brought down its reputation. I think enough research and public opinion needs to be sought before investing in developing the next desktop OS. We are pretty satisfied with the stability of Windows 7 and we would like to see it serving us for next few years like Windows XP did. Microsoft did a great job in the mid 80s making the end-user computing for the common man easy through DOS and it lived for many years till Microsoft made the great shift to the Windows world. It might want to adopt a similar strategy for smartphone market. But, it has to be smarter this time as it is not alone today.  I am particularly keen in the Nokia smartphone with Windows in it and the following demonstration sounds promising https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oidCTUw4s&feature=player_embedded