Microsoft Fall Update May Be Windows 8.2
The classic Start Menu will return this fall.
Russian pirate group WZOR, known to be a solid source of leaked Microsoft information, has obtained new details about Windows 9 and the rumored Windows 8.1 update that is expected to take place this Fall.
According to the report, Microsoft hasn't decided on what to call the update that will take place later this year. WZOR also doesn't seem to be sure about what exactly the Redmond-based company will release: a major update like Windows 8.1, or a minor one as seen with the recent Windows 8.1 Update. We've heard in the past that it could be the former, given that Microsoft may return the Start Menu, as shown during BUILD 2014 earlier this month.
As for Windows 9, the Start Menu will be a component of the next version of Microsoft's Modern UI interface, and will be a different concept than what we're used to seeing on Windows 7 and older. WZOR explains that the "classic" version will only be provided for systems that don't have a touch screen, and on server systems.
Based on the report, Windows 9 and Windows Cloud are two different operating systems. We've already heard that the company is working on a cloud-based version of Windows, and WZOR confirmed that a group within Microsoft is indeed working on a prototype. Similar to Office 365 where users download the software for free and pay a monthly subscription, Windows Cloud will have a similar setup.
That said, Windows Cloud will be similar to Google's own Chrome OS; both require an Internet connection. ZOR states that Windows Cloud will provide full functionality when online, and be limited in features in offline mode, similar to how Windows 7 Starter works.
Getting back to Windows 9 "Threshold," there's talk that Microsoft might make this platform free. That's unlikely; Microsoft will probably make the upgrade free to users of Windows 8.1 Update (2), or charge a small fee as seen with Windows 8. However, offering Windows 9 to OEMs free is a different story; it's possible but highly unlikely. We'll find out in Spring 2015.
As always, everything here is mere rumor and speculation. However, sources have been on the money with Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Update 1, so there's a good chance we'll see another update in October and a new OS in April 2015. Microsoft is doing a fine job catering to the mouse and keyboard crowd, so we can't wait to see what will become of the next two releases.
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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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pbrigido Windows 8 has progressively gotten better with each major update MS has done, and I'm feel fairly confident that 8.2 will be better than 8.1 update 1. It's not that I have a problem paying for a subscription for using an OS as long as it is less than $2 per month. In the long run, it would be less than paying ~$150 for the OS. What I DO have a problem with is having limited functionality while offline. That is unacceptable. I would be a bit more lenient if that the OS had to "call home" to Microsoft perhaps every month.Reply
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mgilbert Reply13155720 said:Windows 8 has progressively gotten better with each major update MS has done, and I'm feel fairly confident that 8.2 will be better than 8.1 update 1. It's not that I have a problem paying for a subscription for using an OS as long as it is less than $2 per month. In the long run, it would be less than paying ~$150 for the OS. What I DO have a problem with is having limited functionality while offline. That is unacceptable. I would be a bit more lenient if that the OS had to "call home" to Microsoft perhaps every month.
Considering that Office is $10 a month, you can bet Windows would be way more than $2 a month. The upgrade from 7 to 8 was only $40. I'd do that every couple of years, but I will not pay a subscription, no matter what. And I agree, limited functionality offline is a drop dead deal breaker. But greed always wins out, and I anticipate all software creators going to a monthly subscription model. When they do, I'll stick with what I have, pirate, use open source, etc. -
MidnightDistort I don't plan on paying for a subscription nor would i have a need for a 'cloud OS' with limited features when my internet goes out.Reply
Going to Linux. -
burkhartmj Reply13155779 said:I don't plan on paying for a subscription nor would i have a need for a 'cloud OS' with limited features when my internet goes out.
Going to Linux.
Let's just ignore the part about Windows 9. Clearly there will still be the standard model , but this cloud option might come with extra features like multiple installs and cloud storage. I am curious what they mean by it being limited without internet connection though. If they just mean things like OneDrive won't work then that's fine. If it's like ChromeOS and next to useless without internet then it's completely off the table for me. -
SteelCity1981 free Windows 9? lol this is microsoft we are talking about here, the same company that makes you pay for a media pack with Windows 8, that was included in windows 7. if anything I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft charges people to add a start menu in Windows 9.Reply -
masteroftheuniverse Jesus Tom's fix your damn comment system... Windows 9 more of the same crap that made nobody want Windows 8. Corporate America is going to flock to anybody besides Microsoft who can provide them a basic secure desktop OS in the next 5 years.Reply -
Durandul ReplyI refuse to pay a monthly subscription for ANY software. I will never use Office 365, and if Windows go to a subscription model, I'll stay with whatever I have at the time. Microsoft, the answer is "HELL NO".
Or you know, you could move to some other OS. Mac and Linux/BSD being the obvious ones, but who knows what will pop up if Microsoft keeps screwing the desktop over. -
canadianvice Software subscriptions are fine... but not a chance in hell for an OS. (I do know that's technically inclusive...). That should be a set it and forget it type of thing. Pay once, it's yours.Reply -
coolitic Just buy windows 9 instead of monthly subscription of windows cloud. I dont understand why you are all getting so angry.Reply
Also, take all this with grain of salt. -
coolitic Just buy windows 9 instead of monthly subscription of windows cloud. I dont understand why you are all getting so angry.Reply
Also, take all this with grain of salt.