Tag: windows 9

Windows 9 Will be a Free Upgrade for Windows 8 Users

Microsoft is all set to launch its new upgrade of the Windows operating system, the Windows 9. The company has already sent out invites for tomorrow’s event. They promise to reveal “What’s next for Windows and the enterprise.” It is certain that it will be the Windows 9, and most likely it will be the release of a early developer version known as the ‘Technical Preview’.

Earlier rumors have pointed out that the new update may come at a price. However, it was also said that it will be cheap, not more than $20. A report from Indonesian online publication Detik said earlier this week that President of Microsoft Indonesia Andreas Diantoro has confirmed this particular Windows 9 feature.

According to Diantoro, the Windows 9 upgrade will be available free of charge to all existing Windows 8 users once it’s released. It is said that users will be able to easily install the Windows 9 update after downloading it from Microsoft website, which is how Apple’s OS X updates have been rolled out on Macs for a few years now. To make it more easy, some of the recent Windows 9 leaks did say that Microsoft already has a tool in place that will allow users to easily get software updates.

It’s not clear whether other Windows users who are on older versions of the OS will get any other special offers. Even the actual price of Windows 9 has not yet been revealed. It is also said that Windows 7 users may have to pay a bit more than the others.

The company is expected to roll out the “Windows Technical Preview” at the event or soon after, so that developers and enterprise customers can test the number of changes the company has made. The recent rumors and leaks have suggested the addition of a new Start Menu, a virtual desktop feature, and a Notification Center.

Microsoft is also expected to fine-tune its desktop user interface to improve and flatten the traditional icons along with some changes in the taskbar for Cortana integration and the virtual desktop. Other changes are expected to come on a regular basis. The Windows Technical Preview will be available until the operating system is complete and ready for release next year.

September 29, 2014
Everything We Know About the Upcoming Windows 9

Microsoft is all set to launch the “Windows Technical Preview” for Windows on September 30th at San Francisco. Windows 8 has been a huge failure despite the fact that the company has been updating it regularly since the past two years when it was officially released. The new upgrade is said to be focused on traditional desktop PC users. With the new update, the company aims to fix and improve the Windows 8 mistakes with the return of the Start menu, flexible app windowing, virtual desktops, Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant, and a whole lot more.

Let us look back at rumors and leaks to show what is expected from the Windows 9:

The Name

Most of the leaks and rumours have come with the codename “Project Threshold,” it is certain that this is the next version of Windows. The only mystery here is, what will the new update be called once it is made official for public use. For now, Windows 9 seems like an obvious option.

Return of the Start Menu

Well, it has been pointed out in numerous leaks and rumors that with the arrival of the new update, the company will include the traditional Start menu which has been missing in the Windows 8. The Metro-style Start Screen isn’t exactly gone. Instead, it will just be condensed down into the Start Menu with live tiles. However, the Start Menu will be optionally expandable into a full-screen view for those who are comfortable with a full-screen version now.

Change in Apps

As a noticeable change, rumors illustrate that the charm bar will be removed, and the metro-style apps will run on Windows 9 instead of a full screen-only app mode. Windows Phone’s voice assistant ‘Cortana’ is expected to be among these newly Window-able apps. Windows 9 is also expected to bring virtual desktops into the desktop ecosystem.

Windows Phone

Windows 9 version for the smartphones will apparently strip out the Windows RT desktop and include the Notification Center in it, same as the Windows Phone 8.1. It will turn Windows RT (Window 8 version for smartphones) into a Metro-only tablet-first operating system that straddles the line between desktops and phones by offering a more traditional tablet experience. Also, it is said that the new mobile version of Windows 9 would be limited to running only Marketplace apps much like Windows Phone and Windows RT we have today.

How Much Will it Cost?

Various rumors have pointed out the new update may come at a price. However, it also said that it will be cheap, not more than $20. Meanwhile, Microsoft is said to offer unknown incentive to get people off old Windows XP, which has been Microsoft’s most successful windows update in recent years. It is also Windows 7 users may have to pay a bit more than the others.

When Will it Arrive?

Microsoft has already sent out invites for an event on September 30th. They promise to reveal “what’s next for Windows and enterprise.” It is certain that it will be the Windows 9, and most likely the release of a early developer version known as the “Technical Preview”, in Microsoft’s terms. When the real version hits the market is still unknown. However, all the rumors have pointed out to a spring 2015 arrival.

September 22, 2014
Microsoft to Unveil Windows 9 Preview on 30th September

As expected, Microsoft is all set to announce the new major version of the Windows OS. In line with the developing rumors, Microsoft has rolled out the invites of the Windows 9 event which is going to be held on September 30th in San Francisco. The event will focus on enterprise and power users of Windows, with Joe Belfiore and Terry Myerson leading a discussion about the future of Windows.

The company is expected to roll out the “Windows Technical Preview” at the event or soon after, so that developers and enterprise customers can test the number of changes the company has made. The recent rumors and leaks had suggested the addition of a new Start menu, a virtual desktops feature, and a Notification Center.

Microsoft is also expected to fine-tune its desktop user interface to improve and flatten the traditional icons along with some changes in the taskbar for Contara integration and virtual desktop. Other changes are expected to come on a regular basis. The Windows Technical Preview will be available until the operating system is complete and ready for release next year.

September 16, 2014
Microsoft Might Release Windows ‘Threshold’ Preview Next Month

Microsoft’s new update of the Windows operating system codenamed as Windows Threshold should be available as soon as September. The software maker has been gradually working on the release over the past several months, adding and tweaking features ready for a “technology preview” release to the public.

According to a ZDnet report, Windows Threshold would likely have the official ‘Windows 9’ name, when the ‘technology preview of the OS starts seeding late next month. People who would like to install the Windows 9 ‘Technology Preview’ will have to sign up to receive automatic regular monthly updates that Microsoft is expected to seed, once the preview build gets an official rollout.

Windows 9 leaks present a refreshing new look while keeping the classic Windows look.

The Windows 9 preview will be similar to how Microsoft first let developers test Windows 8, with features not fully complete or missing. It is said that the updates will be pushed to users who install the preview on an automatic basis, meaning the release will change rapidly over the coming months before it’s finally ready.

Existing internal versions of Threshold include a new mini Start Menu, “Metro-style” apps that float in separate windows on the desktop, a virtual desktops feature, the removal of the Charms bar feature, and an early version of Cortana. Microsoft is also making several UI changes to Windows 9, including some tweaks on the desktop to improve upon Windows 8.

On desktops, Windows 9 ‘Threshold’ interface is expected to boot as default rather than letting users choose between the traditional Windows and metro-style user interfaces.Windows 9, once official, is expected to dynamically fit in the device, which it runs.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said Windows 9 will be an all-around OS that will be compatible with personal computers, tablets, smartphones and video-game consoles. In particular, differences between Windows Phone software and standard PC software should be removed. As of now, Windows 9 stable version is expected to start rolling out by spring 2015, though this is yet to be confirmed by Microsoft. The pricing details of this OS are yet to surface.

August 18, 2014
Cortana to Come to Your Desktops With Windows 9

We all are familiar with the competition between Microsoft and Apple. Just last week we heard rumors about Apple integrating its virtual assistant Siri to its desktop. It looks like Microsoft might be planning the same thing by bringing the Windows 8.1 voice assistant Cortana to the Windows 9.

Microsoft is preparing to include its Cortana digital assistant in the next major version of Windows, Windows 9

It is said that like the Windows Phone 8.1 phone version, Cortana will be an app and not be integrated into the operating system. Unlike the Windows Phone 8.1 app, however, Cortana is not a ‘full screen experience,’ and rather, will allow users to ‘either type in your question or ask verbally inside a smallish window.’

Microsoft has been gradually improving Cortana every two weeks by adding additional data points and features, and as the service is HTML driven, these improvements can be expected to make their way over to the Windows 9 version.

windows 9 design concept

Well, we should keep in mind that a lot can change between now and Windows 9’s eventual release. Microsoft could decide to drop Cortana from Windows 9, at least at first, or reversely more updates to the virtual assistant could allow for even deeper integration into the OS.

Not too long ago, we had seen leaked images with a revamped Start Menu. Microsoft is also expected to release a preview version of Windows 9 later this year with “Metro-style” apps floating in windows on the desktop, a virtual desktops feature, and the removal of the awkward Charms bar from desktop versions of Windows.

August 12, 2014
Microsoft Might Give Out Windows 9 for Free for Previous OS Users

Now this is surprising coming from Microsoft. The company will try to consolidate all the systems currently running on previous versions of Windows by offering an incredible deal. The next operating system release, Windows 9 might come as a free upgrade for Windows XP, Vista and 7 users.

The thought must have dawned on Windows executives when they saw the WWDC this year when Tim Cook incorrectly stated a low Windows 8 adoption rate (about 14% in comparison to Maverick’s 51%). It did get called out on the internet by Windows enthusiasts who found the figures to be wrong (Windows 8 to Mavericks ratio is about 5 to 1), but the Windows guys must have seen an opportunity here.

Windows 9 leaks present a refreshing new look while keeping the classic Windows appeal.

There is a huge number of corporates and personal systems users who still work on and prefer Windows XP, one of Microsoft’s most profitable products. The biggest hindrance in upgrading to a new Windows system has always been the cost of buying the softwares. But by offering their software as a free upgrade, apart from making it appealing, functional and hence upgrade worthy, Windows can easily win a lot of hearts. Also Windows 9 needs to be compatible with the previous generation machines.

A large number of people are used to the Windows ecosystem and are quite comfortable. Lately folks have started looking for alternatives such as Ubuntu and Google Chrome. By offering a free update, Microsoft might not only be able to keep the old faithful but might also win some folks over from the Google and Linux ecosystems.

Microsoft is releasing a small update for the present OS called the Windows 8.1 update 2 on the 12th of August. They have set the ball rolling for the next major release, currently codenamed Windows Threshold. The new Windows version might release around Spring next year. The new version has been rumored to have an updated start menu that, if the leaked versions are to be trusted, is quite functional.

It is joked that every alternative release of Windows is better than its predecessor. So people who were impressed by Windows 7 and disappointed by Windows 8 are keeping their hopes up for the next one. Come on Microsoft, show us what you got!

August 5, 2014
Windows 9 Leaks Show The Revival Of The Start Menu

Windows 8 never became as successful as Microsoft had hoped. One of the major reasons cited was the entirely new ‘Tiled’ interface and gesture support which helped unify the tablet, mobile and desktop experience. The new interface dissuaded a lot many folks and enterprises from switching over to the new OS. One of the major demands from the consumers who did switch over to the latest Windows OS was the inclusion of a start menu. Now in a recent leak by Myce (sounds like a great name for a mole) shows that Microsoft might finally revive the Start button.

The new revamped Start menu, if this really is what it would look, is quite impressive. According to Myce, the build is 9795 and was compiled on 13^thJuly. It is said to be from the User Interface and Platform team. Although it was widely rumored that the Start menu would resurface with this year’s release of Windows 8.2, it seems now that it will only be ready for release with Windows 9. Even though the leaked images refer have Windows 8 written over it, they are for Windows 9.

Microsoft had showcased a demo of the menu option during the Build conference this year. That version had a mix of traditional windows experience with the new metro features.

A second leaked image shows a new App store design. Though these design elements can be seen as a precursor to new windows styling too.

Now these are still images from ‘work-in-progress’ situation so it’s advisable to not get your hopes high. There are several glitches and compatibility issues that the developers have to work out. Hence, this should be taken as what it is, a leak!

July 22, 2014
Rumors Surface About Windows 9 Release Date and Free Upgrade

While, Microsoft is preparing a second update to its Windows 8.1, it is also focused on the larger “Windows 9” release. The new upgrade of the not entirely successful Windows 8 and now Windows 8.1, seems to be in focus.

Leaker WZOR claims that either Windows 9 will come out as a free update for those who installed Windows 8.1/Windows 8 Update 2 or these users could have the Windows 9 update with a good discount. Despite rumors of an aggressive development and shipping schedule, there’s no official word about what’s in the next version of Windows, however there are plenty of rumors.

ZDNet reported that “a preview of codename Threshold — which may or may not be named Windows 9 once it’s released — will be available later this year.” It is said that the public preview will be released this fall, and it may be after Windows 8.1 Update 2 is released. Microsoft had been planning to bring the Start Menu back with Update 2, but the company is now planning to deliver that change with Threshold.

There are also rumors that Microsoft is looking to merge Windows RT and Windows Phone into one “Phone/Tablet” SKU that will just use the Modern UI and will run on ARM-based tablets and phones, along with Intel Atom tablets. That version could also run two apps side by side, which is already a feature on Windows 8 and 8.1 but has yet to be added to Windows Phone. The Desktop/Tablet version of Threshold could offer the desktop UI as default.

The new update also features improvements to the Start Screen including the ability to boot straight into the Desktop, the return of shutdown on the Start menu and a more familiar task bar to unify the old and new user interfaces. The update was announced at Build 2014, along with features teased for Windows updates to come. Microsoft Communications Chief Frank Shaw said the company wasn’t ready to talk about how often Windows updates might come out.

Meanwhile, Windows 8.1 Update 2 is expected to arrive as part of Microsoft’s monthly security patches in August. The update will include the usual bug fixes, and improvements for upcoming hardware ahead of the holiday season. Windows’ 8.1 Update included a number of interface changes and functionality tweaks, and Update 2 is expected to include some additional minor interface tweaks.

July 2, 2014