Microsoft talks up mobile broadband for Windows 8

Microsoft is looking to simplify the way users install and connect wireless broadband services in the upcoming Windows 8 release.

The company said in a post to its Building Windows 8 blog that the new version of its flagship operating system would look to eliminate the hurdles that typically confront users looking to add wireless broadband connectivity to their PCs.

Rather than traditional methods, which require the user to have drivers installed for their mobile hardware, the company is hoping to bring vendors and service providers together with a single platform that will not require third-party tools.

"We did this by working with our mobile operator and mobile broadband hardware partners across the industry, designing a hardware specification that device makers can incorporate into their device hardware," wrote Microsoft devices and networking group program manager Billy Anders.

"In Windows 8, we developed an in-box mobile broadband class driver that works with all of these devices and eliminates your need for additional device driver software."

Windows 8 will also be the first version of the operating system to feature built-in wireless radio management tools. Rather than relying on system vendors to include tools for turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity on and off, the company will build controls directly into Windows.

The update will allow for new wireless management options, including an 'airplane mode', which automatically disables all connections. The new tools will also seek to dramatically reduce the time needed for connecting to a wireless network after startup.

Microsoft is planning to release Windows 8 later this year, though some analyst estimates suggest this may be delayed until early 2013. The operating system will be the first to be optimised for tablets and will sport the mobile-friendly Metro application format.