14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft's first Windows event of the year will kick off in around 7 hours, and despite the company's struggle to keep everything secret, we already know pretty much everything that is going to be discussed at the show.
And yet, there are two major topics that will most likely be skipped during the keynotes that Terry Myerson, Joe Belfiore, and CEO Satya Nadella might deliver, and both are related to the new strategy that the company is trying to adopt with these fresh releases.
Windows 10 definitely represents a new beginning for Microsoft, especially after the disaster that Windows 8 proved to be, so the software vendor definitely wants to get this right, no matter the platform and no matter the compromises that it might have to make.
But the following two subjects that will be skipped today are still being discussed internally, we hear, so Microsoft is unlikely to detail them because no final decision has been made.
Windows 10 release date and pricing
Expect Microsoft to avoid this subject by all means, especially because Windows 10 is still in development right now, and depending on how things go, it could push back the launch a little bit.
Pricing, however, is what catches everyone's attention, mostly because there were some people claiming that Microsoft can go as far as offering Windows 10 free of charge.
This would clearly be a big change for Microsoft, but details won't be provided today. Sources said that Windows 10 could be free for Windows 8.1 users, while those on Windows 7 will get the update for a smaller fee than everyone else.
We'll certainly find out if this is true or not in a few months, most likely at BUILD in April.
Windows Phone flagships and launch date
Windows Phone is also going to be a hot topic today, but Microsoft won't discuss certain aspects of the new operating system for mobile, including the launch of flagships.
There were some rumors claiming that new flagships would only arrive in the fall of 2015, and unfortunately for those keen to find an answer, it won't be provided today.
The reason is as simple as it could be: today's key point of discussion is Windows 10, and Microsoft only wants to provide us with a short glimpse into the Windows Phone work. More details on smartphones plans, however, will likely be offered in March, at MWC in Barcelona.