All of this could give us a glimpse into how Microsoft is preparing for a post-Ballmer, post-PC, post-Windows era.
We have to note: it seems unlikely that Microsoft would be willing to launch a brand new operating system separate from Windows anytime soon, especially since Windows 8 is essentially a break from the old Windows and Microsoft is still trying to get more developers to write apps for Windows 8.
It seems more likely that parts of Midori could wind up in Windows 9 or beyond.
Plan B?