Microsoft is holding its 2014 BUILD Developer Conference in April, and according to Paul Thurrot, the company will announce Windows Phone 9 this April at their developer conference.
Windows 9 is the next major release of Microsoft’s OS, is is apparently codenamed ‘Threshold’, and it is expected to be released in April 2015.
I previously wrote about Threshold in Microsoft to Take Windows to the “Threshold”, Further Changes Coming in Windows “Threshold” and Big Changes Are Coming to Windows. This is the release my sources previously pegged as being the one that will see the return of the Start menu and the ability to run Metro-style apps on the desktop alongside desktop applications.
Challenges with Windows 8
Microsoft’s Windows 8 hasn’t exactly been as popular as the company had hoped. The radical redesign, which introduced the Metro interface and removed the traditional Start menu, was met with mixed reviews. Many users found the new interface confusing and less intuitive, especially those who were accustomed to the classic desktop environment. This has led to slower adoption rates and a significant amount of criticism from both consumers and industry experts.
In response to this feedback, Microsoft released Windows 8.1, which brought back the Start button and made several other user-friendly improvements. However, these changes were not enough to fully restore user confidence in the operating system. As a result, Microsoft is looking to drop the Windows 8 OS name entirely with the release of Windows 9.
What to Expect from Windows 9
Windows 9, codenamed ‘Threshold’, is expected to address many of the issues that plagued Windows 8. One of the most anticipated features is the return of the Start menu, which will combine the traditional menu with Metro-style live tiles. This hybrid approach aims to offer the best of both worlds, catering to both desktop and touch users.
Another significant change is the ability to run Metro-style apps in windowed mode on the desktop. This will allow users to multitask more efficiently, as they can have multiple apps open and visible at the same time. This feature is expected to make the operating system more versatile and user-friendly.
Before the company releases Windows 9, we still have Windows 8.1 which will be released in April along with Windows Phone 8.1. These updates are expected to bring incremental improvements and new features, but the major overhaul will come with Windows 9.
Microsoft are not expected to release a developer preview of Windows 9 at their BUILD conference, this will apparently come later in the year. However, the announcement itself is likely to generate significant buzz and set the stage for the future of Microsoft’s operating systems.
In addition to these changes, there are rumors that Windows 9 will introduce a new notification center, virtual desktops, and improved integration with Microsoft’s cloud services. These features aim to enhance productivity and provide a more seamless experience across different devices.
The success of Windows 9 will be crucial for Microsoft as it seeks to regain its footing in the highly competitive OS market. With the increasing popularity of alternative operating systems like macOS and various Linux distributions, Microsoft needs to deliver a compelling product that meets the needs of both consumers and enterprise users.
Source Winsupersite
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