14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is already working on the next full version of Windows, reportedly called Threshold, and after bringing back the Start button in Windows 8.1, the company prepares another major comeback in the spring of 2015.
Microsoft watcher Paul Thurrott is reporting via unofficial sources that Redmond is working to bring back the Start Menu in Windows Threshold, clearly in an attempt to show users that it really cares about their opinions.
Microsoft decided to reimplement the Start button in Windows 8.1, saying that such a feature is actually based on customer feedback, as plenty of users requested the traditional option back in their Windows operating system.
The company is willing to continue this strategy of getting closer to buyers with the return of the Start Menu, which would make it possible for users to quickly start apps without the need for launching the Start screen.
The same report claims that the Start Menu might not be available on all versions of Windows Threshold, as Microsoft could only offer it on desktop builds of the operating system.
The company continues to bet big on the Modern UI, but it turns out that it's now ready to admit that this particular working environment is much more appropriate for touch-capable devices, so improving the desktop pretty much makes sense for everyone else.
Windows Threshold is scheduled to see daylight in early 2015 and even though Microsoft hasn't publicly talked about it, there's evidence that work has already started on this new project.
The return of the Start Menu in Windows Threshold could also bring back many more users and boost the adoption of Microsoft's modern operating systems, as the initial uptake of both Windows 8 and 8.1 have so far been below expectations. It remains to be seen whether Threshold will have what it takes to be successful.