14 DAY TRIAL // We all know that Microsoft is working on a Windows 8 upgrade, but no official details have been provided so far, even though the public beta is likely to be released in only a couple of months.
Speaking to TechRadar, Windows Product Manager Ian Moulster explained that Windows 8.1 is very unlikely to ditch the desktop, as some reports have suggested lately.
While he refused to reveal any details regarding the Windows 8 upgrade, Moulster said that Microsoft “probably” plans to stick to the desktop working environment, as it’s only a continuation of the successful Windows 7 platform.
“To be honest I don't have an answer because I don't know. I'm loathe [sic] to speculate. It seems highly unlikely to me. I haven't seen anything either way. I'd be surprised, but that's my personal view,” he was quoted as saying.
“I think it's a continuation of us always building on what's there. Windows 8 is built on Windows 7 and starts from where Windows 7 stops, and I don't think there will be a change to that approach. We'd be crazy to throw anything away.”
Recent reports have suggested that Microsoft might ditch the desktop completely in the next Windows versions, especially because it wants to focus a bit more on the Metro UI.
While the company is indeed trying to add new features to Metro, Microsoft will most likely keep the desktop in the next Windows versions, especially because it remains the most familiar working environment for millions of users.
The Metro UI, on the other hand, is specifically aimed at tablets and touch-capable devices, so improving it pretty much makes sense with so many analysts and experts projecting that the touchscreen market will skyrocket this year.
With all these being said, expect the Windows 8.1 upgrade to see daylight sometime this summer, bringing not only the traditional desktop, but also an improved Metro experience.