We have seen several leaked Windows 9 screenshots in the past. Today, German websites WinFuture and ComputerBase posted 20 leaked screenshots of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s new OS. They show almost every detail of Windows 9 that has been rumored or leaked by tipsters. These screenshots are of Windows Threshold Build 9834 that the software giant recently distributed to its partners.
Windows 9 has a new Search icon on the taskbar. Is that Bing?
These images reveal where the future of desktop is headed. The Verge confirmed that the leaked photos were genuine. The Redmond-based company is widely expected to unveil the Windows 9 Enterprise Technical Preview on September 30. These images provide a closer look at the revamped Start Menu. The new OS also has the ability to run Metro Style apps in Windows on the desktop. It has an interactive taskbar, as rumored.
There is also a notification center, and the virtual desktops feature. On the taskbar, you’ll notice a new search icon right next to the Start button. Microsoft also seems to be readying new icons for desktop, file explorer and other elements. And then, there are some features missing, at least in this build. For instance, the browser in the leaked images is Internet Explorer 11, instead of the more recent one.
Charms bar still part of Windows 9 technical preview
There have been reports that Microsoft is eliminating the Charms bar from Windows 9. But the Charms bar will still be part of Windows 9 Technical Preview that will be unveiled in the next few weeks. That’s because many of the app developers are yet to incorporate many of the Charms functionality directly into their apps. However, tipsters told Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet that the Charms bar will be out by the time the final version of Windows 9 is unveiled in early 2015.
The Technical Preview due in the next few weeks will be geared towards enterprise users. The company will also release a consumer version to show off what Microsoft has in store for smartphone and tablet users. But that preview is unlikely to be unveiled this year.
Microsoft shares fell 0.49% to $46.61 at 12:45 PM EDT on Thursday.
