We outline what we know about Windows 9 release date, Windows 9 price and Windows 9 features.
It's fair to say that
Windows 8
has not been a universal success. In many ways a necessary step not
terribly well executed, Windows 8's attempt to stitch together desktop
and mobile has been way too radical to encourage new users. And as the
longer life of existing
PCs and
laptops combines with the growth of
smartphones and
tablets to
continually slow PC sales, Window 8 has come to be seen as a dud. This
means two things: expect a new and improved Windows in the fastest
possible time, and expect it to be called 'Windows 9'. It's unlikely
there will be a Windows 8.2, and there definitely won't be a Windows
8.3. (See also:
Windows 9 rumours freeze corporate Windows 8 uptake.)
Here we outline what we know about the Windows 9 release date, based
on Microsoft communications and credible rumours. We'll also take a look
at our analysis of what we expect Windows 9 to cost, as well as listing
the features we expect to see in Windows 9.
We will of course update this piece as we know more.
Windows 9 release date
We expect Windows 9 to launch in PCs, laptops, tablets and phones
that you can buy in the spring of 2015. Although it is possible Windows 9
will launch earlier, possibly as early as Christmas 2014. The smart
money is on an April 2015 launch, with a possible Christmas 2014 launch
to consumers only if everything goes to plan. (Everything never goes to
plan with a new Windows launch.)
Expect Microsoft to unveil its vision for Windows 9 at the Build 2014
developer conference in April 2014, with a release planned for a year
later. Microsoft partners will be getting a pre-beta version of Windows
Developer Preview 9 soon, we understand. Thus those partners will have
seen the earliest version of Windows 9 before the Build conference this
April.
We expect to see a single beta of Windows 9, which will likely appear
in the summer of 2014. If everything goes perfectly it is possible that
Microsoft will release a Release Candidate version at the end of August
or the beginning of September 2014. That date could easily slip.
Once a RC is released bugs will be collected and fixed for several
months before the final code is released to manufacturers. The RTM would
have to be shipped before the end of October for Windows 9 devices to
be in stores before Christmas, however. So much more likely is an April
2015 consumer release. (See also:
How to use Windows 8: 10 tips to get you started on Windows 8.)
Windows 9 price
There's no word on what Windows 9 will cost, but we can make an educated guess. We'll update this piece as we know more.
How to price Windows 9? This is the classic innovator's dilemna:
Microsoft has existing products that make it a lot of money, but is
building new and better products for which it cannot charge as much. The
market has changed. Apple gives away the most recent version of OS X
for free, and PC- and laptop makers are feeling the pinch as smartphones
and tablets eat into their markets.
So how much will Windows 9 cost? Not a lot.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was free to consumers, although not to
OEMs who purchase licences to put on PCs and laptops they sell. Even if
customers have to pay to upgrade to Windows 9 they won't have to pay
much. Just a few pounds.
Windows 9 features
We expect that Windows 9 will be 64-bit only, although we expected
that for Windows 8 and we were wrong. A lot depends - as ever with
Microsoft - on what OEMs want to build, and what Intel gives them with
which to build.
One thing that Microsoft has to do is allow Windows Phone and Windows
RT apps to run on both Windows Phone and Windows. Even Xbox apps should
become cross compatible. You may also be able to pin Metro apps to the
taskbar. Also expect to see Kinect-based 3D gestures to be enabled for
laptops with 3D cameras - basically the ability to control your computer
with gestures.
Microsoft's recent pronouncements suggest a full return of the Start
menu and that Windows 8-style apps will be able to run on the desktop.
Windows 9 will definitely be less traumatic a chance for desktop users.
One key - although less obvious - development is likely to be much
improved power management. The rise of mobile devices has made battery
life a key battle ground for Windows. Intel has done its part, massively
improving power management with its latest generation of mobile
processors. But the Windows software needs to keep pace, so expect
Microsoft to make great claims for Windows 9's power management
capabilities.
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