Rumor: Windows 9 May Be Revealed Next Week
Currently, there's a rumor started by well-known Russian Windows leaker WZor that Microsoft may actually start talking about Windows 9 "Threshold" during the Worldwide Partner Conference 2014 next week. WZor also believes that Microsoft will use this window to introduce Windows 8.1 Update 2, which will supposedly be released by mid-August.
As previously reported, Microsoft is expected to offer a preview of Windows 9 later this fall, followed by the full retail release in Q2 or Q3 of 2015. Rumor has it that Microsoft wants to get Windows 8 off the radar, and have customers focused on the newer platform. Update 2 will be the last major update to the Windows 8 family; the platform will be patched, but not enhanced in any way.
WZor reveals that Microsoft will dump loads of money into advertising Windows 9, with a huge focus on the return of the Start Button and Menu. The site also stresses that Microsoft is changing the activation method, thanks to problems related to Microsoft in China. This bit of extra work is slowing down the overall development, which probably led to last week's rumor that Windows 9 might not arrive until Q3 2015.
According to WZor, the new method has users logging into Microsoft Store to activate the platform rather than handing over a key that could be re-sold. "Installing ESD-RETAIL systems on new hardware or restoring system on the old one, will require to "detach" old installation from Microsoft Store, and only after that, it'll be possible to activate new system," the site reports.
WZor reports that if customers try to activate the same distribution on three PCs, and there's only one license, Windows Store will cancel activation after three days until the user "detaches" the extra two systems. Only one license will be granted to each machine.
What's interesting about the WZor post is the use of the term "rent." Does Microsoft plan to offer a monthly subscription? Microsoft has already crossed that bridge with Office 2013, allowing customers to pay $9.99 per month and receive updates immediately rather than three years down the road. We've heard in the past that Microsoft was toying with the idea. Honestly, a five-seat subscription bundle would be an interesting product.
"Right now developers of the new activation system and experts of new products promotion are discussing on these topics. To be more specific, they are discussing how to make possible to rent a product or working time on it," WZor writes.
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Interesting.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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rolandzhang3 I wouldn't have a problem with the subscription based payment method if they also offered a one time paymentReply -
Quarkzquarkz Ahhh the good ol' subscription system. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they even added micro-transactions like they do in some games today. Just amazing what corporations today will do for a buck you know? God Bless America.. *Insert massive sarcasm here* =(Reply -
The3monitors No I am not going to "rent" my OS. I would pay $1 per month max if they went that route otherwise I would start purchasing an apple (yeah I know I said it)Reply -
drwho1 rent an OS?Reply
hell NO!
not ever!
also about the activation method... I rather have a useful KEY...
me personally usually reinstall every OS a few times ... so having to use the "store" online is just another hassle that I don't need.
Long Live Windows 7! -
JOSHSKORN I wouldn't mind renting an OS if the cost over 5 (maybe 6) years came out to the same as purchasing any version of Windows OS, today. That's about how long I'll have had Windows 7 until they finally have a decent OS for me to upgrade to. Microsoft seems to have a history of releasing one bad OS followed by a good one, then that cycle repeats.Reply -
jasonelmore ReplyNo I am not going to "rent" my OS. I would pay $1 per month max if they went that route otherwise I would start purchasing an apple (yeah I know I said it)
LAWL with apple your paying a extra $300-500 up front when you buy their hardware. It's all just factored in. It's kind of like buying a $7 drink at the movies that has tax, and employee wages. It's just factored in, at least Microsoft is up front at what your paying and what you are getting. -
thechief73 I cannot believe I never noticed before, but MS has pulled off the Coca Cola recipe switch with Windows OS successfully now three times and is on its way to number four. As for the new activation and whatever scheme they come up with for purchase..... HELL NO!Reply -
DragonFireXY Replyotherwise I would start purchasing an apple (yeah I know I said it)
Why apple? There's always linux (which is free). -
PennyLife Do not want subscription model for Windows OS. Primarily because I think it would raise the standalone OS price, and I quite enjoy being able to buy the OEM Windows OS for only about $100 right now. If they do a subscription model of say, $50 per year, then the OEM pricing would probably start around $150.Reply