If there's one distinct feature of computing and communication that is compared, debated, even argued over, it is the user interface of operating systems. Of course, we know the major players -- Microsoft with Windows, and Apple with OS X. Since the introduction of the first graphical operating systems, our stuff has always been presented to us in a sort of pseudo-3D manner, mostly in the form of overlapping windows on a piece of background which makes up our "desktop".

Envisioning the future of our operating systems is a fun thing. Hollywood takes their own hilarious view of what real operating systems are like. We've been treated to years of unrealistic NORAD mission control systems; interfaces that the CIA would use, allowing them to twirl a green wireframe schematic of the bomb they just discovered and the mountain it's contained within; to the wonderful movie, Independence Day, where we have operating systems that need only commands like, "UPLOAD ALIEN VIRUS" to save the day.

Apple, who is known for their interfaces more than anything else, appears to be exploring a new direction with their operating system. This article from macrumors.com gives us a quick glimpse at a number of patent applications from Apple, showing the possibilities of what may be the next major version of their OS. Referenced in that same article is a great video of another prototype 3D operating system. (via MacRumors)

And if we throw the multi-touch screen into it, well then we're just that much closer to Minority Report.

P.S. -- These 3D OS schematics are slightly reminiscent of a website that we currently have in production. (hats off to one of our very talented designers, Sarah Hemp)

Microsoft Live Search is employing an image search engine that will take the qualities of one image and search for similar qualities in other images. (from the Live Search Blog)

The skinny: Macs are on the rise; PCs are in decline. Safari crawls up slowly, Firefox is officially a giant. Internet Explorer (with its many versions) is in a state of constant flux.

• Mac Internet share hits record 8.87%; Windows drops below 90% (via Fortune)
• Firefox sails past 20% market share, IE drops below 70% (via tgdaily)

And yes, front-end developers everywhere are still taking acetaminophen in record rates. As always, the best web developers always have a practical and respectful stance on platform compatibility.

A great summary of what the world of web and mobile has brought us. Leaders includ the usual: Google, Firefox and Apple. (via Lifehacker)