14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 9 is the next big thing for Windows users and although Microsoft hasn't provided too many details on this project until now, people close to the development process said that it could launch in early 2015, after two preview versions shipped to users in late 2014.
At the same time, the Redmond-based tech giant is also working on two different updates for Windows 8.1 users, namely 8.1 Update 2 which is scheduled to be released in August or September, and 8.1 Update 3 that could also launch in the first months of 2015.
It appears that the close launch of all these products has convinced Microsoft to rework its schedule a little bit, with a new report now claiming that the company intends to delay the launch of Windows 9 to give users more time to deploy Windows 8.1 Update 3.
ITProPortal reports today that Windows 9 "is being pushed back until Q2 or Q3 2015 as a result of the new Windows 8.1 update," indicating that June 2015 could witness the introduction of the new operating system.
Of course, nothing has been confirmed so far and everything is just in the rumor stage for now, but such a decision would actually make sense at some level.
Basically, according to information provided by Russian Windows leaker WZor, Windows 8.1 Update 3 might come with a different set of license keys for those who want to install the operating system from scratch.
Those who purchase a new license are allowed to upgrade to Windows 9 free of charge, the source said, adding that everyone else would have to buy a Windows 9 product key when it comes out.
Previous information on the matter revealed that Microsoft wanted to bring Windows 8.1 Update 3 to the world in early 2015, approximately two months before Windows 9 hits the shelves. If the launch of Update 3 is indeed taking place in April, Windows 9 might thus be pushed back to June, in an effort supposed to give users more time to deploy the 8.1 update and only then to try out a completely new operating system.
Windows 9 is very likely to come with plenty of new features, including not only the eagerly awaited and controversial Start menu, but also a desktop version of Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant that's currently available on Windows Phone 8.1, but expected to arrive on the desktop in the coming months.