If
you upgraded to Windows 8 or 8.1 and want out, there may soon be an
alternative to simply downgrading to Windows 7. Microsoft is reportedly
going to offer pre-release versions of the next major Windows upgrade,
currently codenamed "Threshold," as a public download in the fall of
2014.
ZDNet's
Mary Jo Foley reports Microsoft is planning to release the software in
late September or early October. Although there's no official name yet
for the release, it's widely expected to be called Windows 9.
To
be clear, this will be beta software — probably buggy and lacking all
the planned features — not the general release what everyone expects to
be called Windows 9. Although Microsoft hasn't said anything about when
Windows 9 will go on sale, the report mirrors others that point to
spring 2015 as the general timeframe.
Before
then, though, users will be able to get Windows 9 from a public beta
site, the report says. This isn't unusual for Windows: Microsoft offered
"preview" builds both Windows 7 and Windows 8 before their release.
Although the software was ostensibly for developers, anyone interested
could download and install it.
The
report suggests there will be a more streamlined public download
process for Windows 9, however. Those who choose to install it will need
to agree to automatic monthly updates, making it similar Apple's public
beta program for OS X Yosemite, whose download/upgrade process is
separate from what's already in place for developers. For previous
Windows cycles, the beta software progressed from developer, consumer
and release previews, but there was no distinction in what was offered
to developers and members of the public.
Microsoft
previewed some of the features of Windows 9 "Threshold" at its annual
Build developers conference in 2014. For starters, it's bringing back
the Start Menu — whose absence is a big criticism of Windows 8/8.1.
It'll also let users run Window Store apps (AKA Modern apps) within
individual windows on the Desktop.
Other
rumored changes include the elimination of the Charms menu that peeks
in from the right side of the screen in Windows 8.1 as well as possible
integration of Cortana, the digital assistant in Windows Phone.
Posted by : Gizmeon
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