14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has already started work on Windows 9, and a preview build is expected to be launched later this month, during a press conference scheduled for September 30.
As far as the software giant is concerned, only little is known at this point, but thanks to people close to the matter who have shared information on this project, we already know that this is going to be one of the biggest overhauls of Microsoft’s operating system, at least in terms of feature lineups.
Development however continues, and living proof is build 6.4.9829, which has recently been spotted online, more or less confirming that we’re getting extremely close to the public launch of the preview.
As far as this testing build is concerned, no other information has been provided, but it’s still another signal that Microsoft is working on Windows 9 at a really fast pace in order to make the operating system ready for the April 2015 launch.
In terms of features, Windows 9 is indeed going to bring quite a lot of improvements, starting with the eagerly awaited Start menu and ending with a desktop version of Cortana.
One of the biggest changes that Windows 9 could bring is the removal of all Metro elements from the desktop, as Microsoft is trying to make its operating system better for work with a mouse and keyboard. Word is that the Charms bar could be pushed off the desktop completely, so those who want to stick to the traditional desktop would be allowed to do this without being bothered by features that are more optimized for the touch.
At the same time, Microsoft is also preparing to refresh the Modern UI with some new features, including interactive live tiles that could be used to control apps without the need to launch them. What’s more, the Start screen could be revamped in order to come in handier to those who purchase a tablet or laptop with a touch-capable display.
Although the Start menu is indeed expected to make its return in modern Windows with the release of Windows 9, Microsoft continues to bet big on the Start screen, but certain modifications will be made to better match the device that you’re installing the operating system on.
For example, desktop computers won’t get a Start screen, but instead will be provided with a Start menu by default. Tablets and touch-capable laptops will continue to boot to the Start screen, unless they specifically choose to load the desktop at every boot.