Creator Unveils Retro Task Manager Redesign Concept
Dave Plummer, the original creator of the Windows Task Manager, has sparked excitement in the software world with a new project. Years after leaving Microsoft, Plummer shared his vision for what the popular system utility could look like today, and his Task Manager redesign concept is a radical departure from the classic Windows design.
A Closer Look at the Task Manager Redesign Concept
In a post on the X platform, Plummer revealed what he imagines the Task Manager would look like if he were still at Microsoft. The new design features a striking retro-futuristic aesthetic, complete with intense RGB lighting and dials styled like speedometers. Furthermore, the user experience is elevated to a new level with dynamic music that plays in the background as the system runs.
If I was still at Microsoft, this is probably what Task Manager would look like. This is the new dashboard for my Tempest AI project, which is designed to beat the classic Atari game, Tempest. It’s got a retro-futuristic vibe, complete with dynamic background music and sound effects that… pic.twitter.com/f2p20Q9m29
— Dave W Plummer (@davepl1968) May 21, 2024
This new dashboard was developed as part of Tempest AI, a personal project designed to create an artificial intelligence capable of beating the classic Atari game Tempest. Plummer has also transparently shared the design’s code on GitHub for others to explore. While its appearance is unique, it presents an entertaining “what if” scenario for tech enthusiasts, though it caters to a niche audience compared to the modern Windows 11 interface.
The High Cost of Visual Flair
However, this visual spectacle comes at a significant performance cost. Answering questions about system resource usage, Plummer honestly stated that the application places a heavy load on the GPU (graphics processing unit). Tests revealed that the software uses approximately 75% of the GPU on an M2-powered Mac Pro while running at just 30 FPS. This high consumption makes the tool impractical for everyday use.
Interestingly, Dave Plummer initially developed the original Task Manager as a side project in his spare time. Its success quickly made it an indispensable part of Windows NT and all subsequent versions. In recent years, Microsoft has continued to update the tool, revamping its design in 2022 and making technical adjustments in 2024, such as changing memory speed units from MHz to MT/s.
So, what are your thoughts on this new Task Manager concept? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
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