Windows 9 “Threshold”: What We Know So Far

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viktik

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Sep 17, 2013
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Windows 9 is definitely the next big thing happening for Windows users, with many people close to the matter revealing more or less exciting tidbits pointing to features of the upcoming operating system.


Nothing has been confirmed so far and Microsoft goes on with a secrecy that's really killing us, especially when thinking that Windows 9 isn't the only project coming out of Redmond. Both Windows 8.1 Update 2 and Windows 8.1 Update 3 are also said to be in the works as we speak.

But let's take everything once at a time to demonstrate that Microsoft has apparently worked out a plan that might really have a chance to succeed and finally move users to its modern platform.

Windows 8.1 Update 3

As everyone knows right now, pretty much because Microsoft confirmed it through the voice of Terry Myerson, head of the operating systems division within the company, Windows 8.1 Update 2 is expected to be launched sometime this year, most likely in August or September.

While this is exciting news for sure, some people are already talking about a potential Windows 8.1 Update 3 release that might come in early 2015 and push back Windows 9's debut for at least a couple of months.

Basically, Windows 8.1 Update 3 might play two different roles. First of all, it would obviously bring several improvements for Windows 8.1 users, including new features, bug fixes, performance improvements and many other novelties supposed to make the overall experience in both Metro and desktop more reliable and enjoyable.

Second of all, Windows 8.1 Update 3 might pave the road for Windows 9, believed to be internally codenamed Threshold, in order to make sure that more users actually give it a shot.

In order to do this, Microsoft might introduce a different licensing model that's completely new for Windows users. Windows 8.1 Update 3 might be the first OS version available both with a freeware license and with a small fee. Although things might seem to be a little complicated, they're not.

Windows 8.1 Update 3 will be completely free for those already running the soon-to-be-released Windows 8.1 Update 2 and would obviously be available via Windows Update or through the Windows Store. It will install just like any other OS update, so users won't have to pay a cent for downloading it.

On the other hand, Windows 8.1 Update 3 would also be offered with a small fee for users who aren't running Windows 8.1 Update 2, but instead want to deploy the latest OS version directly and without the pain of going through every single update. Basically, this option would be offered to users who are running Windows 7 or Windows 8, and is clearly supposed to bring more users to modern platforms.

As a result, Windows 8.1 Update 3 would come with a new set of license keys. If you indeed decide to purchase a new product key, you'll be allowed to move to Windows 9 completely free of charge. Everyone else, and we're here referring to Windows 8.1 Update 3 who installed the OS update through the free mechanism, would have to pay for a Windows 9 license, just like it was the case with every other new Windows version.

Windows 9

Codenamed Threshold, Windows 9 might be the first OS version to come with a free version. Contrary to what you'd expect, Microsoft only wants to make the operating system freeware for ARM devices, thus boasting not only sales of this type of devices, but also moving more users to its modern platform.

At the same time, it might be the first to bring back the Start menu after this feature was removed in Windows 8. People close to the matter indicated that while Microsoft is indeed planning to bring it back, the Start menu might only be available on devices with a mouse and keyboard, such as laptops and PCs.

On ARM devices, the desktop might be entirely removed, hence no need for a Start menu, which means that the Metro UI would be the main working environment.

What's more, Microsoft is believed to be preparing Windows 9 for the first desktop version of Cortana, its own personal assistant that's currently available on Windows Phone 8.1. The company has suggested with several times that it's working to bring Cortana on the desktop, and Windows 9 would be the perfect timing for this.

Last but not least, Windows 9 is going to bring improvements on all platforms that are currently owned by Microsoft, including not only the PC, but also smartphones and tablets. Signs of Windows Threshold on Windows RT and Windows Phone devices have already been found, and although Microsoft never confirmed such a project, it's pretty clear that something really exciting should be expected in the first months of 2015.

Sources close to the matter are saying that two preview versions of Windows 9 are likely to be released, so expect more info on these projects in the coming months, as we're getting closer to their official launch.
 
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