A few weeks ago, leaked internal documents showed that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) plans to launch Windows 9 in the second or third quarter of 2015. Now, Neowin.net reports that the development of Windows 9 remains on track. Neowin’s sources said that the software giant’s Windows team has started sharing the new operating system’s development progress with other divisions of the company.
Cloud version of Windows 9 is in alpha stage
Meanwhile, Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 has reached the advanced stage of development. This major update to the smartphone operating system is in later stage of internal testing. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is preparing to launch it later this year. It is internally named GDR (General Distribution Release), but the software giant may opt for a different name for the update when it’s released. With the upcoming update, Microsoft is expected to introduce the much talked about Cortana voice assistant to Windows Phone.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s current desktop OS Windows 8 will soon see another major update, which may be called Windows 8.2 or Windows 8.1 Update 2. Recent reports suggest at RTM of July, which means we can expect its official release in August or September this year. Leaked internal documents indicate that the Redmond-based company will launch a cloud version of Windows 9, dubbed Windows 365. It is currently in the alpha stage of development. Windows 365 will reportedly be a subscription version.
Windows 9 to be similar to Windows 7 in look and feel
Other reports suggest that Windows 9 will be the central part of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s future strategy. That means the software giant is planning to unify the Windows platform across desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. That will give a single and seamless user experience. Windows 9 is expected to bring a number of new features with heavy emphasis on cloud services. It will include enhanced Windows activation, system protection with Windows Defender, changes to Metro UI, Cortana and OneDrive.
Experts say that Windows 9 will have a look and feel that resembles more with Windows 7 than Windows 8. That’s because desktop users are likely to remain a priority for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) until touch becomes ubiquitous on notebooks and desktops.
