You're the Pundit: Windows 8

Other sites have rumors and speculation. We have the TUAW braintrust. We put the question to you and let you have your go at it. Today's topic is Windows 8. Will Microsoft's newest operating system prove a threat to Apple's OS X or iOS?

The touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system has been heavily overhauled for greater stability and user friendliness. High resolution (think Retina for Microsoft) models may ship sometime in the next 12-18 months, with high touch accuracy, optimized finger control precision, and more.

Features like Picture Password, which invites users to draw on pictures with a known set of shapes and lines for authentication (e.g. add a mustache on Mom and a hat on Dad) and a brilliantly colored tiled Start Screen, all add to Windows 8's appeal.

Should Apple be worried?

You tell us. Place your vote in this poll and then join in the comments with all your predictions.

Is Windows 8 a threat to Apple?
Absolutely. It offers a full-powered desktop experience with touch. Better touch accuracy and greater platform compatibility means that Apple\'s going to have to struggle to catch up.	1210 (15.5%)
Too little, too late. Windows 8 has some great features but nothing that Apple can\'t and won\'t integrate into its next generation iOS devices.	1237 (15.8%)
It\'s a win for everyone. Competition legitimizes touch platforms and keeps Apple on its toes.	3525 (45.1%)
You\'re kidding, right? Windows 8 even has its own custom Blue Screen of Death. No competition. It\'s the Zune all over again.	1659 (21.2%)
Something else. I\'ll tell you in the comments.	184 (2.4%)