Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) plans to release the preview version of its upcoming Windows 9 operating system in the second or third quarter of 2015. Notorious leaker FaiKee said on My Digital Life that the Windows 9 “Preview Release @ 2015 02-03.” That statement was a bit confusing as many media houses read it as February 3, 2015. But FaiKee later clarified in a tweet that the preview will be released in Q2 or Q3 of next year, not February 3, 2015.
Speculations around Windows 9 release date
There is no word on whether it will be a public preview or a developer one. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) launched the Windows 8 developer preview in September 2011, and consumer preview in February 2012. Windows 8 was made available to consumer PCs in October 2012. There have been reports that Windows 9 will be free to all existing Windows customers. The new operating system is likely to have a full-fledged Start Menu, Cortana integration, a more familiar look, and greater emphasis on cloud features.
It’s not the first time we are hearing Windows 9 release date rumors. Earlier this year, Paul Thurrott claimed that Windows 9 is likely to hit the markets in April 2015. But WZor, a Russian leaker with a very good track record, reported that the Windows 9 is scheduled to start shipping to PC manufacturers in October 2014. Another veteran Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) watcher Mary Jo Foley dismissed WZor’s reports, saying they are “inaccurate.”
Microsoft can’t afford to wait until Windows 9 to bring back the Start menu
Moreover, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is planning to launch Windows 8.1 Update 2 on September 9, reports TechRadar. The rumored date coincides with the software giant’s September Patch Tuesday, when Microsoft will issue a number of fixes for vulnerabilities and bugs. Experts believe that Microsoft will bring back the long-awaited Start Menu with the Update 2. But a recent image leak showed that the Redmond-based company would opt for the best of both worlds by including Live Tiles into the Menu.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares fell 0.30% to $39.63 in pre-market trading Tuesday.
