Update 1:14 PM: Microsoft announces launch of new version of Windows – Windows 10
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) executives will soon take the stage as its special event in San Francisco to unveil the Windows 9 Technical Preview. The event “What’s next for Windows” kicks off at 10:00 AM Pacific Time or 1:00 PM Eastern. We will offer you the latest updates from the event. You can follow us on Twitter (@ValueWalk). Alternatively, Microsoft’s official Windows Twitter page should be providing the updates.
What features should you expect to see in Windows 9?
It’s an invitation-only event. But leaked screenshots and specs have revealed most of the features of the new OS. Windows 9, code named Threshold, will bring back the Start menu, which in itself should be enough to entice many enterprise users. It will also have a new notification center, Cortana, OneDrive integration, and virtual desktops.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is unlikely to attend the event as he is in India, where he announced today to open new cloud data centers. Ahead of the preview release, there have been consistent rumors and reports that the software giant will give away its new OS to existing users for free. A few days ago, Microsoft Indonesia president Andreas Diantorom said that Windows 9 will be free for Windows 8 users.
Now, notorious Russian tipster WZOR has learned from its sources that Windows 8 or 8.1 users can upgrade to Windows 9 without paying a dime. But only those who purchased the full retail version of Windows 8 will get the free upgrade, reports Myce.com. It means users who bought a laptop or PC with OEM version of Windows 8 pre-installed will have to pay a fee to upgrade.
Fans to get their hands on Windows 9 technical preview next month
WZOR added that Windows 7 users who want to upgrade directly to Windows 9 will have to shell out $30. Meanwhile, Windows 8 OEM users will have to pay only $20 to get an upgrade. After the failure of Windows 8, Microsoft will try hard to entice existing users to upgrade to Windows 9. The software giant has already made Windows free for devices with display size of 9-inch or less.
Following today’s event, the Redmond-based company will likely release the Windows 9 Technical Preview sometime in October, offering customers, developers and fans a chance to try out the new OS before the public release next year.
