What should the new version of Microsoft Windows look like?

Nov 23, 2013 00:06 GMT  ·  By

Windows 8.1 is here, but unfortunately for some users, it brings almost no visual improvements, except for a Start button that doesn’t do anything else than taking them to the Start screen.

Users who hoped to see an improvement in the way Windows looks like have now turned their attention to Windows 9, the upcoming full version of the operating system that’s expected to be launched next year.

While there’s evidence that Windows 9 is a work in progress at Microsoft, Redmond has remained completely tight-lipped on this project, so there are no clear details on the operating system.

And still, designers have been hard at work to create concepts that envision the upcoming Windows 9, a release that’s expected to address some of the complaints targeting Windows 8’s visual elements.

Most of these concepts comprise a fully featured Start button that actually launches a Start Menu, so it’s pretty obvious that users still hope to see such an option returning to their desktop operating systems.

Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to happen, as Microsoft has already pledged to keep the Start screen in future Windows releases.

The Start screen is here to stay, Microsoft’s outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer said with several occasions, while adding that it’s only just a matter of time until people really get used to it.

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This concept brings some Windows 8.1 lock screen features right on the desktop. Credits: DeviantArt user RMNSkin.Other concepts go for a mix of the Modern UI and the traditional desktop, leading to beautiful designs more or less inspired by other platforms out there, such as Mac OS X and Linux.
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This time, the designer has used Linux as inspiration for his own concept. Credits: p0isonParadise on DeviantArt.  Unfortunately for all of us, chances are that Redmond will completely ignore all these concepts, as Windows 9 is very likely to adopt the same design style as it predecessor.

Sources claim that Windows 9 will stick to the flat look, so no Aero effects, while the Modern UI will still be there for touch-capable devices.

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One concept that comes with a full Start Menu. Credits: MarkusMcNugen on DeviantArt.The launch of Windows 9 is projected to take place in later 2014 or early 2015. Either way, expect a public beta to be released sometime next year.

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