14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 9 is still a work in progress, but people familiar with the matter said that Microsoft was very likely to launch it in the spring of 2015 on all supported devices, including tablets and desktop computers.
But even though Windows 8 should be here in less than 12 months, little is known about the operating system that's supposed to revamp Microsoft's modern platform with significant improvements for both the desktop and the Metro UI.
Users across the world, however, seem to be really inspired by the rumors that reached the web lately and create more or less appealing concepts envisioning Windows 9 and pointing to some of the features that might be part of the upcoming OS release.
The concept you're seeing here is made by DeviantArt member TheRadiationMaster, but as compared to the previous designs that reached the web lately, it's entirely based on third-party applications and skins available to each and every one of you.
According to details provided by the designer, Aero Glass, Glass8, MetroSidebar, Classic Shell and RocketDock with Metro8 skin have all been used to create the concept, which is entirely focused on improving the desktop and making it a bit more appropriate for PCs and laptops whose main method of input remains the mouse and the keyboard.
As far as the existing Windows 9 details are concerned, word is that Microsoft is working to make the operating system better for the traditional PC, so expect several improvements for the desktop. Of course, the Modern UI will still be there for touch-capable devices, but there's no doubt that Redmond is a little bit more focused on desktop these days.
At the same time, some people close to the development plans hinted that Windows 9 might come with a freeware version for ARM units, including tablets and PCs, in order to bring cheaper devices to the market and thus boost the adoption of Microsoft's modern OS. Pricing of all the other versions on the market is very likely to remain unchanged.
Windows 9 could see daylight in April 2015 if all these rumors are true, with a beta very likely to be launched either in late 2014 or in early 2015 for developers and those who'd like to try out the new operating system. More information, however, is expected to be provided in the coming months as we move closer to the rumored launch date.