14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 9 is reportedly a project that's under development right now and since we're talking about a completely new Windows operating system, everyone expects to see some pretty big changes, including new features and a revised look.
While Microsoft prefers to remain completely tight-lipped on this topic, designers across the world are building more or less appealing concepts envisioning some of the features to be part of this new release.
Such is the case of Cazatormenta, a DeviantArt user who has created a new mockup of a Windows 9 Start screen which he describes as being based on some of the features he liked in the Zune Media Player.
As you can see for yourselves, there still are some things to be improved, including the default position of the fonts, as well as some of the icons used in the concept, such as the one of the Start button.
This design could more or less work especially on touch-capable devices, such as tablets, as the built-in options could help users quickly access a number of features of the operating system with just one tap, including settings, network settings, and power controls.
Microsoft has already promised to continue work on the Modern environment, so the Start screen is obviously expected to receive some improvements as well, especially because the company is working to make it a bit more helpful on the traditional PC, which still relies on the mouse and keyboard as the main input method.
At the same time, Redmond also needs to improve the Start screen as much as possible in order to convince users to abandon the idea of relying on a Start menu in order to access their favorite apps. The Start menu is set to return in Windows sometime this year as part of a second Windows 8.1 update, so an improved Start screen in Windows 9 could really boost the adoption of the Modern environment.
Of course, do not expect Microsoft to adopt such a radical approach and change the interface of the operating system in such a significant manner in order to make the Start screen more appealing, but some improvements are indeed expected.
Windows 9 could debut in early 2015 according to some previous reports, while a beta could be offered in February of the same year. It remains to be seen, however, if the company wants to stick to the original schedule and more information is expected to be provided later this year.