14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft hasn't talked too much about the next full Windows version, as the company is now spending more time focusing on updates for the existing Windows 8 core operating system, but according to a new report, the company is already working on what could be called Windows 9.
A report published by Bavo Luysterborg on myce.com and citing a document published on the web by Faikee, a Microsoft leaker who has a good track on providing information on new projects developed by the Redmond-based company, confirms the existence of Windows 9 at least as a developing product in Microsoft's lineup.
Only little is known at this point, but according to the leaked information, a free version of Windows 9 that would be specifically offered to Windows 8.1 users would also be offered.
Of course, this wouldn't mean that Windows 9 would be available free of charge to everyone who wants to install it, but that Microsoft is planning to offer it at no cost to those who are already running Windows 8.1. Windows 9 could thus be shipped via Windows Update for those who have made the move to the modern operating system, no matter if they are using a PC or a tablet.
According to some previous reports, Windows 9 is expected to hit the shelves in the spring of 2015, approximately one year after the launch of Windows 8.1 Update. A second update for Windows 8.1 is very likely to launch sometime this year, which would basically be living proof that Microsoft has entirely switched to a rapid release cycle that could keep Windows users updated with new features on a yearly basis.
As far as features are concerned, Windows 9 is obviously expected to bring some pretty big changes, including the addition of Cortana, the personal assistant that's already available on Windows Phone 8.1.
Microsoft has already hinted that Cortana might at some point debut on PCs and tablets as well, but said absolutely nothing about timing. Windows 9, however, would be the perfect moment to introduce such an important feature on desktops and tablets, alongside other improvements.
As usual, Microsoft never confirmed the leaked document we wrote about today and the company refuses to discuss plans for future projects, so just take everything with a pinch of salt until we hear something official from the software giant. If this report is true, expect a beta version of Windows 9 to be released to developers in just a few months.