It has long been rumoured that the next operating system to come from software powerhouse Microsoft, the expected Windows 8, will launch in 2012 with new mutterings from the computer company appearing to confirm this.

In an official press release to celebrate the first birthday of Windows 7, Microsoft Netherlands reported that Windows 8 was around two years away, all but confirming rumours of a 2012 arrival that were first mooted based on information spotted on a slide at Microsoft PDC back in 2009.

The Dutch press release stated: "Furthermore, Microsoft is of course working on the next version of Windows," before adding the timely prediction, "But it will take about two years before "Windows 8" [is] on the market."

Full details on what to expect from the next Microsoft operating system for PCs still remain hazy. Stay tuned to T3.com and the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds for all the latest on the rumoured OS.

For more information on Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system and the recently released Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system check out the T3 coverage here.