Microsoft earlier this month unveiled its latest Windows Phone devices including the Nokia Lumia 830 and now it is turning its attention to the next version of Windows. The company today began to send out press invitations to a “Windows event” that will take place in San Francisco on September 30. Unlike many invitations, the tagline reveals what is on tap: “Join us to hear about what’s next for Windows and the enterprise.”
With Joe Belfiore and Terry Myerson in attendance, Microsoft will unveil its plans for the the next version of Windows, likely to launch as Windows 9. While many average users will want to know what Microsoft is planning, the event will focus on the enterprise space and power users. New features expected include a new Start menu, new virtual desktops, a Notification Center and a desktop version of Cortana.
The announcement could also be accompanied by the release of a “Windows Technical Preview.” It will allow developers and enterprise customers to find out more about upcoming changes and how to prepare for them. Microsoft will be able to push out updates to users much as it does with Windows 8 today when new features, including more changes to the user interface are ready.
It will be interesting to see how much closer Windows Phone will get to Windows with this release. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella back in July said that, “We will streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes.” But rather than a truly single version of Windows, this likely means that we will see a more consistent code base, a common app market as well as a consistent user interface.
Microsoft is expected to launch Windows 9 next year.
Source : The Verge