14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Threshold is believed to be the internal codename of the next full version of Windows that Microsoft is working on as we speak, but the company has never referred to this product publicly.
A small mention on the LinkedIn profile of a Microsoft employee, which was first spotted by Neowin, reveals that Windows Threshold is indeed a work in progress at the Redmond-based software giant. Of course, no other specifics have been provided, but given the previous reports on the matter, it's pretty clear that the company is working on something major for Windows users.
Windows Threshold is believed to be the internal codename of the next full Windows release, which could actually be called Windows 9 when it hits the market.
People familiar with the matter said that this could take place in early 2015, with two preview builds to be released to developers in late 2014.
Windows Threshold is expected to bring updates for most company products, including Windows RT, the tablet-oriented operating system that's currently installed on ARM tablets, such as Microsoft's very own Surface RT.
At the same time, if this is indeed the next full Windows version, it's also likely to bring us several novelties, such as a Start menu and even a freeware version for ARM-based devices.
Previous reports on this indicated that Microsoft was pondering a free SKU of the operating system that would be installed on ARM computers which could only feature the Modern UI and no desktop.
On the other hand, if the Start menu return is set to take place in Windows 9, it might only be offered on desktop computers where such a feature would indeed make sense, and not on tablets where the touch-optimized Modern environment is the core of everything.
What's more, Microsoft is also believed to be preparing a desktop version of Cortana, its own personal assistant that was included in Windows Phone 8.1 to help users perform a number of tasks with voice commands. A desktop version of Cortana is in the works right now, Microsoft already suggested, and Windows 9 would clearly be the perfect timing to deliver it to the world.
All in all, there's no doubt that exciting things are likely to be offered to Windows users in the next couple of years, but all the above details are yet to be confirmed by Microsoft, so take everything with a pinch of salt for the moment.