"Threshold" to be Called Windows 9, Ship in April 2015

No, it is has been confirmed, not at least until Update 3. If Update 2 would contain Start menu, people would have no reason to buy Windows 9.

 

Thanks for the link. I'm happy to hear that MS will be releasing a public preview of Threshold aka Windows 9 in Fall 2014; I'll definitely be checking it out in a VM. I'm hoping that the effort to make 9 more desktop friendly will extend throughout the OS and not be limited to restoring the Start Menu.

It seem unlikely that MS would offer 9 to Windows 7SP1 users for free. I'd be happy with a discounted license offer similar to the offer when 8 was first released.

 

Yeah, I think Mary Jo Foley's opinion that MS now views Windows 8 as Vista 2.0 is correct. They want to distance themselves from it and release Threshold/9 as something new so people will give it a chance.

 

@Victek
You're very welcome

 

hi
did you find 8.1 really better then v8?

 

I did not see much difference between 8.0 and 8.1, however there are important changes in "Update 1" for 8.1, such as a close button (X) on full screen Metro apps and support for booting directly to the desktop. If I was using 8.0 I would definitely update to "8.1 Update 1" for these features.

 

8.1 is usable without ClasicShell or similar, 8 is not. Another advantage is that the search function operates globally. In general, 8.1 is a much better OS.

 

I wonder if we'll be able to customize the size of the tiles on the right side of the menu. I've wondered if there is any rhyme or reason as to which tiles get large rectangles while others get smaller squares. I think, along with the color choices, that it's supposed to be random, but I'm not sure.

What I think would be cool though, is if the tile size could be based on how often you use the program - so of course a frequently used program would get a large tile while a rarely used program would get a small tile. If they won't do it automatically, I'd at least like to set it myself.

 

Windows 9 Build 6.4.9788 Said to Be Ready, Leak Expected Soon

As per usual, always take this as a grain of salt.

 

I heard that 8.1 Update 3 was scrapped and they would jump to 9 instead. The last semi-major upgrade for 8.x family was supposed to be 8.1 Update 2 which either would be delivered via WU or Store. But then again, speculations are still speculations.

 

Speaking of point releases and updates, I hope that with Windows 9 they simplify the naming scheme. If they want to use points, use points and don't give us this "8.1 Update 1" stuff. Just call the first major update 9.1, then the next would be 9.2, and so on.

BTW, that activation system sounds troublesome. I've always been wary of systems that require the current activation to be removed first. What happens if your drive crashes (and you don't have an image) and you can't remove your activation? Or maybe you just forget to do it? I hope they would let you log in from computer B to remove the activation from computer A.

 

Yes, the Windows 8 ".1" update (to go from 8.0 to 8.1) Vs Windows 8.1 "update 1" has been confusing.

 

Microsoft desperately tried to avoid using Service Pack's name, because people are accustomed to use Windows since SP1. MS wanted to break the circle, it has not worked out, people actually consider 8.1.1 to be SP1. I was honestly expecting the next update to be called something like Windows 8.1 Update 1 Patch 1.

 

Sorry if I misunderstood your post, but shouldn't the ei.cfg trick still work to enforce the new license key?

HAHAHAHAH!!

 

I don't know what you mean. That file just dictates which edition to install and the type of licensing.

I'm not sure, but it sounds as if the product key you have to enter (the one that would come with the disc if you buy it that way) is only temporary and the "real" key is hidden. So if you lose your installation without de-activating it, you won't get to enter the key because you won't know it. The temporary key would only be used the first time, to prove you bought it and associate your copy with your account.

 

Report by the Verge & citing people close to the matter reveals Microsoft is working to make
the Start screen capable to maximizing to the entire screen and cover your whole desktop.
The Start menu would only be part of Windows 9 versions installed on PCs and devices with a mouse
and keyboard, while touch-capable devices, such as tablets, would get the Start screen and no menu.

As usual, we should take everything with a pinch of salt because Microsoft hasn’t confirmed anything to so far.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-9-s-Start-Menu-Could-Eat-Up-the-Entire-Desktop-451624.shtml

 

Well I hope they have learned something from mistakes they have made with Windows 8 interface.

 

What we know about the next versions of Windows

Permit me to start by going through the list of characters...

http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-windows/what-we-know-about-the-next-versions-of-windows-247018

 

Here is some new information from Paul Thurrott about Windows 8.1 Updates and Threshold (or whatever)

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-update-2-shipping-month

 

Since new update will be optional and it won't bring any significant changes, I will think twice before updating. And the name will be 'August update'? Who has come up with such bright naming idea?
At least I know MS has given up on 8, so I can wait till 9 comes out.

 

I agree that the naming convention for the updates is confusing and ridiculous - who knows what they're thinking. Although the August Update doesn't bring new features it may be worthwhile - we'll have to see what it addresses eg, compatibility? bug fixes? I'm also glad to see the focus switching to 9 and hope there will be a public beta this Fall. I really would like to feel excited again about a new version of Windows

 

Microsoft announces Windows 8.1 'August Update', won't be called Update 2

---------------------------------

August updates for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2
August 5, 2014August 5, 2014
http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwi...s-for-windows-8-1-and-windows-server-2012-r2/

 

So it's been official that Windows 8.1 Update 2 never exists eh? Windows 8.1 Update 1 August Update... Give me back my service packs! The naming scheme is so silly! >=V

I really can't imagine about how they would name Windows 9 releases.