Windows 9 is Coming...

Though Windows 8 wasn’t exactly a resounding success. Much of what was updated in the OS was necessary, but the application of the new features was in many instances poor. Windows 8 attempted to stitch together the desktop and mobile experiences and this was perhaps just that little bit too radical for new users.

With smartphones and tablets challenging the once untouchable desktop PC and PC sales decreasing, Windows 8 came to be seen as a flop. For Microsoft this means a complete reimagining of its OS is needed and the delivery of this new software in the quickest time possible. Consumers should expect it to be called Windows 9 – it’s unlikely that there will be a Windows 8.2 or 8.3.

There is not so much to know quite yet however, but based on Microsoft’s communications and some credible rumors, news of a new OS release soon is most likely true. This article will consider what Windows 9 may cost, as well as expected features that users can look forward to with the release of the new OS.

Release Time

It’s likely that Windows 9 will arrive sometime in the spring of 2015. It’s also likely that the OS will be rolled out to PCs, laptops, tablets and phones ensuring a multi-screen experience. However Windows may release the software earlier, perhaps sometime around Christmas 2014. Consumers should only expect to get their hands on the software this early if all goes to plan for Windows in the development stage. This is probably unlikely as Windows has a track record of finding problems when attempting to bring a new product or piece of software to launch.

For more concrete information, expect Windows to reveal much more of Windows 9 at the Build 2014 developer conference in April, with a release plan being defined. As usual, it’s thought that there will be a pre-beta version of Windows Developer Preview 9 that will be rolled out to Microsoft partners. So there may be some who have seen the earliest version of Windows 9 before the Build conference in April.

Windows 9 is High Speed

The summer of 2014 may well see a single beta of Windows 9. Then if everything goes perfectly to plan, Microsoft may reveal a Release Candidate version sometime around August or September. This is definitely not set in stone and could be much later in the year.

The earlier the RC is released the earlier the software itself will be released. Microsoft will use the RC release to collect information on bugs, which will then be fixed over the course of several months. This all has to happen before the final code is released to manufacturers.

At this point the RTM would have to be shipped before the end of October for Windows 9 devices to be available before Christmas. With all of this considered, it’s much more likely that the Windows 9 consumer release will be in April of 2015.

The Price of Windows 9

There’s nothing concrete on this either but Windows 9 will likely not cost a huge amount. The pricing however is a classic problem and although Microsoft has existing products that it can charge a lot of money for, it can’t charge as much for its new and better products. This is due mostly to the changing technology market. Apple gives away the most recent version of its OS X for free, and PC and laptop makers are feeling the shrinking market as smartphones and tablets continue to erode the market.

So it’s safe to assume that Window’s 9 won’t be expensive. It wouldn’t be too surprising if it were free to consumers, although it’s unlikely to be free for OEMs who purchase licenses for the laptops and PCs they sell. Even if customers have to pay to upgrade to Windows 9, it’s still very likely that the price will be low.

Features of Windows 9

Windows 8 was expected to be 64-bit only but it wasn’t and it’s difficult to predict if Windows 9 will be either. It all depends on Microsoft and on what OEMs want to build, and even what tools Intel gives them to build with.

Microsoft does however have to allow Windows Phone and Windows RT apps to run cross platform on both Windows Phone and Windows. This cross compatibility should include Xbox apps. It would be nice if Microsoft allows users to pin Metro apps to the taskbar. For laptops enabled with 3D cameras users can probably expect to see Kinect-based 3D gestures enabled. Hopefully this will extend as far as allowing users to control their computers with gestures.

The great Windows Start Menu

After Microsoft’s debacle removing the Start menu in Windows 8 it seems that the Start menu bar will return with Windows 9. Users can also expect to run Windows 8-style apps straight from the desktop. For most users, Windows 9 should be an improvement and ideally, a less traumatic change for desktop users.

One final likely addition is improved power management. The increasing saturation of mobile computing has shown that increased battery life is a key consideration for consumers. Intel has pitched in and its latest generation of mobile processors promise extended usage time. The onus is on Windows however and its software needs to keep pace with the upgraded hardware. Expect Microsoft to make a huge fuss about Windows 9 and its increased power management capabilities.

For those wanting to know more, remember to follow the 2014 Build Conference. Microsoft is set to release plenty of information there about Windows 9.

Let’s hope that Microsoft get it right this time – given the amount of criticism the company came in for with W8, it really needs to be on the ball with 9 if Windows is to remain the most popular desktop OS in the world.

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