Microsoft may roll-out Windows 9 ‘Threshold’ preview in September

Microsoft Corp. plans to unveil public preview of its next-generation Windows operating system in late September or early October, a media report claims. The commercial version of the OS code-named “Threshold” is expected to debut in spring, 2015.

ZDNet reports that those who install the public tech preview of the Windows 9 “Threshold” will need to agree to have subsequent monthly updates to it pushed to them automatically. When Microsoft was working on the currently available Windows 8 operating system, it delivered three external “milestones” before launching the OS commercially in October, 2012. The first developer preview was released about a year ahead of the launch, whereas the first consumer preview was delivered eight months before the official debut. If Microsoft follows similar plan (and will speed up its execution a little), it could release the next Windows next spring.

As previously reported, the Windows 9 “Threshold” is designed for all three major types of devices, such as personal computers, tablets and smartphones. It is projected that the Windows 9 OS will include changes designed to improve usability by users who are familiar with Windows XP, Vista and 7. Among other things, Microsoft plans to return the fully-fledged (or “Start” menu as well as run apps designed with Metro (Modern) interface in mind in windows. In addition, Windows 9 “Threshold” will support virtual desktops, which will allow users to easily switch between groups of apps and therefore organize their PCs and workflow better. Yet another user interface change with Threshold is elimination of the charms bar, an overlay that currently provides access to search, sharing, the Start screen, hardware devices and settings.

Keeping in mind that all the information about Windows Next comes from unofficial sources, it is unclear which features or capabilities will be supported by the commercial version of the operating system.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

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KitGuru Says: While it is unlikely that Windows 9 will be dramatically different compared to Windows 8, it will have one major advantage: DirectX 12 application programming interface designed to speed up graphics processing and reduce power consumption of hardware. Theoretically, the advantages of DX12 will likely be uncovered already next month, or in October.

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