14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 9 preview will play a critical role for the overall success of the final product, and Microsoft undoubtedly wants users who give it a try to send as much feedback as possible.
In addition to the numerous feedback options and support forums that Microsoft has prepared for the upcoming preview build of Windows 9, the company is also working to release a new Windows Insider program that would put the focus on improvements that could be added to the operating system.
Not much is known at this point, but a leaked screenshot that has recently reached the web via Neowin indicates that such an insider program is indeed already developed, but locked by Microsoft until the new Windows 9 preview becomes available.
This is expected to happen in the first days of October, but Microsoft is very likely to share more information on the insider program tomorrow as part of the public unveiling of the testing builds.
Help shape Windows
In the official description of the feature, Microsoft claims that it needs users’ help in order to improve the operating system and thus add more features that would tackle their needs.
“Help shape the future of Windows,” the title of the new insider program reads. “Get the latest preview builds as soon as they’re available plus access to an easy-to-use feedback app,” it adds.
As you might have heard, Windows 9 preview will come with a new built-in update system that will enable users to automatically receive improvements based on the feedback they sent.
Previous reports on the matter indicated that Microsoft was looking to divide users who install Windows 9 preview in subsets that would be provided with certain features depending on the options they access the most in the operating system.
Frequent updates in the coming months
Microsoft’s plan is to ship new improvements for Windows 9 preview on a regular basis in order to keep users up to date with all new features developed by the company.
Basically, all features will be provided to users via a new update mechanism that’s independent from Windows Update. Sources claim that this new feature will not require users to perform a clean installation of the operating system, no matter how large it is.
This feature will be used to ship new features as soon as they are ready, with pundits claiming that Cortana and Internet Explorer 12, at least in preview form, are very likely to reach users’ computers thanks to this new tool.