14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has started sending out invites for a new Windows event scheduled for September 30 in San Francisco and expected to bring us the very first official news on the upcoming Windows 9.
While the company didn’t specifically mention Windows 9 during its announcement, it did say that journalists should “join us to hear about what’s next for Windows and the enterprise.”
Previous speculation on the launch of Windows 9 preview indicated that Microsoft was indeed planning to bring out a testing version of the operating system by the end of the month, but the company has remained completely tight-lipped on the subject until now.
Of course, Redmond doesn’t want to share any other details until September 30, but expect more info about Windows 9 to surface as we get closer to the public launch of the preview.
Leaked screenshots pointing to Start menu, Cortana integration
Even though Microsoft is making really big efforts to keep everything related to Windows 9 away from our eyes and ears, a set of leaked screenshots that have recently reached the web have revealed some of the new features that could be part of the operating system.
The Start menu will indeed be integrated into Windows 9, and chances are that everyone could give it a try from the very first beta.
A desktop version of Cortana is also said to be prepared, but this time it isn’t very clear whether Microsoft wants to make it available for everyone from the get-go or it plans to roll out this feature at a later time.
Other improvements include multiple desktops, Internet Explorer 12, several changes to the Modern UI, plus the introduction of other Windows Phone-inspired features such as Storage Sense and Wi-Fi Sense.
Public launch in April 2015
Windows 9 is expected to launch in April 2015, but Microsoft will most likely keep its lips sealed regarding the release date during the September 30 event.
People close to the matter have indicated that Microsoft wants Windows 9 to reach RTM in early 2015, most like in February or March, while the product should see daylight in April.
One of the biggest changes that Microsoft could make to Windows 9 is a possible offering of a freeware license, with sources indicating that the operating system might in the end be available at no cost to those who are already running Windows 8.1.
Needless to say, such a decision would clearly boost early adoption and bring more users to Windows 9, but it remains to be seen whether Microsoft is ready to make such a significant change to its Windows product lineup.