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Next Major Windows Update "Threshold" for Spring 2015
By , - Source: Tom's Hardware US

ZDNet continues to talk about Threshold, which is expected to roll out in Spring 2015. As a recap, this will reportedly be similar to Blue; a wave of updates that will bring Windows-based form factors even closer together: desktop/laptop, tablet/smartphone, and Xbox One. Windows RT and Windows Phone will reportedly be merged together by then.

Sources told ZDNet there will likely be three SKUs: a "modern" consumer SKU, a traditional/PC SKU, and a traditional enterprise SKU. The first "modern" SKU will reportedly focus on Windows Phones, ARM-based Windows tablets/PCs, phablets and other kinds of tablets. Some PCs may also run this build to compete with Google's Chromebooks. This build will also focus on WinRT apps (not to be confused with Windows RT), and won't be optimized for Win32 apps. Sources claim that on some PC-like form factors, there will be a "desktop" that keyboard/mouse users will find easy to navigate.

ZDNet reports that the "traditional" SKU is aimed at the current PC market, and will focus on users accustomed to the mouse and keyboard setup. Meanwhile, the enterprise version will include the usual business features such as support for Win32 apps via a Desktop environment, device management and more. Traditional PCs will likely be the main target, along with tablets and other devices. The site reports that this version may be made available only for volume licensing.

The site also believes that there may be an SKU for embedded devices and usages, including kiosks, point-of-sale terminals and so on. This is an assumption given that the Embedded team is now part of Myerson's organization. These SKUs will not be offered to consumers and business users directly.