Windows 9 is unlikely to hit the markets before second quarter of 2015. Leaked internal documents suggest that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will release the preview version of Windows 9 in the second or third quarter of 2015. In the post-PC era, Android, iPhones, iPads are flooding the market while the Redmond-based company is struggling to gain a foothold despite its dominance in the PC market.
Microsoft can’t afford to gamble with Windows 9
A big questions is whether Windows 9 can rejuvenate the Windows platform in a post-PC world. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes of ZDNet believes that it can. Windows 8 was undoubtedly a failure. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) fixed a lot of things with 8.1, and improved the platform for non-touch devices. But the problem was that the reputation of Windows 8 was tarnished, and no amount of updating or tweaking could change it.
Fortunately, Windows 9 is under development. Adrian says that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will build this OS based on what it has learned about people’s expectations from Windows platform in the post-PC era. That will help the software giant deliver a platform that is fit for the traditional keyboard and mouse as well as touch. At this juncture, Microsoft can’t afford to gamble with Windows 9 like it did with Windows 8. The company will have to build Windows 9 keeping in mind what users want rather than what will further its post-PC plans.
Windows 9 will be closer to Windows 7 in look and feel
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes believes that Windows 9 will be closer to Windows 7 in look and feel than Windows 8. Until touch becomes ubiquitous on the desktop and notebook, keyboard and mouse users should remain the top priority of Windows. Leaked internal documents earlier this month revealed that Windows 9 is currently in alpha stage. It will bring unified user experience, changes to Metro interface, OneDrive, cloud services, and enhanced Windows activation. The new OS will also have Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Cortana personal assistant.
Windows 9 preview release is expected in Q2 or Q3 of 2015, that means any time between April and September next year. So, the consumer version may possibly be launched by Christmas 2015.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were little changed at $40.32 in pre-market trading Friday.
