Microsoft is rumored to be preparing an “Aero Lite” UI for Windows 8 according to leaked components from a recent build.

The “Aero Lite” UI is likely replace the Windows 7 Basic interface. Microsoft originally invented the Basic UI for those unable to run the full Windows Aero experience. Windows 8 is rumored to include a full 3D interface which has so far failed to leak out of Redmond’s tight ship. The Aero Lite UI has been revealed in msstyles files supplied to Angel of Despair. The new user interface is rumored to feature some flat Metro styles, similar to those found in Microsoft’s Media Center application and Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft’s primary Windows 8 interface is believed to be fully 3D. The interface will be “fully dynamic” and able to adapt to user habits. Icons and shortcuts will adapt to different usage scenarios to speed up daily tasks. Windows 8 is also rumored to include a new fast hibernation system. The system will hibernate in around three to six seconds and save all open documents and running tasks. Rumors suggest that Microsoft will create a dual-UI for Windows 8. A tile-based user interface codenamed “Mosh” will reportedly be included.

Microsoft has so far been extremely quiet on the Windows 8 front. Windows Chief, Steven Sinofsky, took to the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January to introduce a technology preview of Microsoft’s Windows ARM support and show off an early build of Windows 8. Microsoft is partnering with ARM-based manufactures NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments to produce new Tablet devices.

Steve Ballmer has described the next release of Windows as the company’s “riskiest product bet”. It is understood that Microsoft will feature deep cloud integration into the future OS to realise its vision of “three screens and a cloud”. One Microsoft employee recently said he believes Windows 8 will be the “most important Windows ever shipped.”