Microsoft is set to unveil Windows “Threshold” on September 30

✎ CJ Magowan | 🕑 08.22.2014

Rumors have circulated that the Windows 8/8.1 successor would make a prompt appearance as early as September this year. Indeed, Microsoft has set a special press event scheduled towards the end of September to unveil Windows codename “Threshold” which is anticipated to become Windows 9 or whatever Microsoft will call the next version of Windows, until then Windows Threshold will be known as Windows 9 to developer and beta testers.

It seems that the Redmond giant is in need for an update to its current Windows 8/8.1 as it received a number of poor reviews and dissatisfaction from traditional Windows Desktop users at most. Windows 9 is expected to revert the wheel of time and bring back the features that most Desktop users had been used to since Windows 95 at best. Though as a tablet OS, Windows 8 and its derivatives has been doing quite well with the environment that they are sitting in, but if we think about Desktop users, it’s a different story.

With Windows Threshold/9, Microsoft will bring back the beloved Start Menu that graced Windows computers for almost 2 decades. The Start Screen has been doing great for some and as a personal preference, it has made it’s purpose and functionality but still there are those who much prefer the non obtrusive and non-full screen rendition of what seem to be the Start Menu in the past. Microsoft had already stated before that they are bringing back the Start menu but unfortunately it didn’t come when Windows 8.1 update was released and rolled out, but as some information had been leaking out since then, the neat feature is now anticipated to finally come out with Windows Threshold.

Some features that would come with Windows Threshold is the ability to run Metro/Modern UI apps from the desktop. There are also information regarding the omission of the Charms Bar on the Desktop for Windows 9 and other pro-desktop features including virtual desktop support and the adoption of Windows Phone’s digital assistant Cortana on full Windows OS.

According to Tom Warren from TheVerge, Microsoft will set September 30 as the date for the introduction of the new OS to developers and enthusiasts with a “Technology Preview” of the OS soon after the unveiling or sometime in October. Developers will have an early look of the next-gen OS then, and enthusiast may have special access to the unreleased OS primarily for Beta testing and final tweaks before the OS goes “Release To Manufacturing” or RTM for short.