14 DAY TRIAL // A few weeks ago, reports pointing to a new Windows version called Threshold reached the web, but initial details have been really vague to say the least, with some people explaining that this could actually be just an update to the existing Windows 8.1 modern operating system.
It turns out, however, that Threshold is actually the upcoming Windows 9 that’s expected to launched in 2015 and bring a plethora of changes, including the possibility to run Modern app in their very own windows right on the desktop.
Now ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley is reporting via undisclosed sources that Microsoft has picked “Threshold” as the new name of Windows 9, even though it’s not yet clear if this is going to be just an internal codename, just like Blue was for Windows 8.1 early last year.
Aside from desktop support for Modern apps, it might appear that Microsoft is also working to reintroduce the Start Menu in Windows 9, thus trying to make the operating system a bit more user-friendly and restore consumers’ faith in the number one desktop platform.
Early details on this Start Menu point out that it could actually rely on a minimal design that would provide quick access to installed apps and power options, which are exactly the features that were missing to Windows 8 adopters when moving from Windows 7.
At the same time, the Start Menu might only be offered to desktop versions of the operating system, as Microsoft has apparently figured out that no-one using a tablet actually needs a Start Menu, pretty much because most stick to the Metro interface that’s completely optimized for the touch.
Windows 9 is expected to launch in early 2015, with a preview version very likely to see daylight sometime this year but only for developers.