Mark your calendars: April 2015 is when Windows 9 is expected

You'd think they'd heed the lessons taught to the world by Sega and Nokia... Sega announcing The Saturn's successor only a few months after it was released (and even worse Sega of America not knowing was Sega of Japan was doing, and releasing the miserable failure that was the 32X leaving people with their fingers burnt when Sega of Japan was developing and promoting the forthcoming Saturn) which killed consumer trust and led to the Dreamcast struggling sales wise (not helped by developers having their fingers burnt with the Saturn) and then we have Nokia with the "burning platform" memo - it was true, but it was months too early for info like that to be leaked. Shaft your customers at your peril.

I just don't think it's the time. Unless Windows 9 is not the official name. Like, I hope that they change the name to 8.2 or 8.3, because consumers would be so confused, exactly what you said. They're starting to warm up to 8, and now you add 9?? A huge slap in the face to consumers everywhere, especially if they change too much too soon.

There's little need to call it Windows 9, unless Microsoft are planning to charge for it, and further alienate customers who are already disillusioned with Windows thanks to the fiasco of Vista (which I quite like), the mess it was delivered in and it's short cycle, then 8's metro interface and removal of the start menu etc, by suddenly announcing that 8 is old hat and 9 is on its way. Way to kill Windows 8 PC sales further than they've already slumped? Announce Windows 9!! Microsoft must be walking a tightrope with their partner OEM's at present, because dwindling Windows PC sales and the failure of RT has already smashed confidence in the brand. Windows Phone 7 didn't help the brand either. And Hap know dull well what a snap decision can do to a company, they've still not recovered from Leo's announcement to sell off or close its PC business, despite the decision being reversed and him being removed as CEO less than 2 weeks later. Microsoft really are starting to seem like a company completely out of touch, no wonder Gates wants to have more input with the new CEO in the future.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

How is this too soon? Windows 7: 2009. Windows 8: 2012. Windows 9: 2015. The only difference is that the first two were October launches, while 9 is supposedly April. Are you saying that 6 motnhs alienates everyone, even if it fixes many things people don't like?

All the previous aforementioned OS's contained relatively familiar interfaces. Nothing extremely radical like Windows 8. Therefore it didn't take a lot of time to get used to. Something as breakthrough as Windows 8 takes time to grow accustomed to. I wouldn't mind Windows 9 if it kept the same basic objective of Windows 8. However, they just have to prove to the general public that Windows 8 will not be abandoned and that it will still continue to get better as Windows 9 is announced. So many people are buying Windows 8 laptops and don't know how to use Windows 8. I've witnessed it myself. That needs to change before they commit to another project. You know what I mean?

Calm down kid. MS screwed the image with bad launch. Then they remember how they got away with vista and they are doing the same here. Its still the OS we all love.

lol I laugh when I hear the windows vista thing. Does anyone remember windows me? It lasted like 10 months tops. Microsoft thereafter released XP. Windows me was 100 times worse than vista. I dont even know why people hated vista so much I dont hate it. Windows 8 to me is like Vista. I really like it but it just doesn't have that complete awesome overhaul feel like windows XP or 7 did.   what's interesting to me is that I like the RT side almost more than the desktop side. Per se. I still mostly use the desk top side I wish they would just overhaul the desktop side to be more sleek like the rt side if that makes sense.

I think you are underestimating how large of a pile of shit Win ME was, it was easily 1000x worse than Vista. It was like an alpha being released to the public. I installed it on one computer and went back to Win98 asap.

That's what im saying they need to improve windows 8 still add cortana improve any little things that are missing and keep supporting it with some more features its has an app store they aren't going about this too well they need to improve os and app support along with more features like messenger needs to be improved Skype alot missing in OS start menu too but I get the rush to change the UI and get people but they need to make sure that windows 8 continues to improve and get apps etc

At least with 8.1, 8.2, etc. it is a free update.  Going to 9 surely will NOT be.  I'm sure that is their motivation.

Ok.

  Too much sugar on your cornflakes this morning? The number is essentially meaningless for the incremental updates. And the code names mean even less at times. WP 8 was Apollo after Mango with 7.8x sandwiched in between. I am happier with the GDRx nomenclature and there has been a lot of conjecture as to when MS would go to Windows 9. Considering by April 2015 Windows 8 will be closing in on 3 years old, I find it comforting we won't be looking at another 10+ years to meaningful update as we did with XP.   Also, IT departments move notoriously slow. Those now having to change before April are moving to Win 7. Conservative, but not a huge leap to Win 8/9 later.        

Windows 8.5 would suffice surely?

No... no it wouldn't. A quick look at recent history would confirm that. Remember the whole Vista fiasco?  It got hammered for its new UI.  (Sound familiar?)  It was slammed for being very different from the prior version of Windows.  (Sound familiar?)  It was planned by the press as a dismal failure.  (Sound familiar?)  It was avoided by consumers.  (Sound familiar?) Microsoft made a few tweaks and fixes to Vista, renamed it "Windows 7," and launched it to huge critical acclaim and eye-popping sales. The same pattern will likely hold with Windows 9.  Fair or not, "Windows 8" is a damaged brand, and Windows 9 will be the "critically acclaimed" version.

Hmm this was all somewhat valid until you said Ballmer was stupid. You said it yourself, "cash in on the brand", that's exactly what they are doing... They are a business. They need to make money. And if win9 will do that, then that's what they will do.

8.1 was technically a new os rather than an update and could be seen as win9. That's what my brother told me so must be true!

I wouldn't get too amped up on this so early in the day. A lot will happen between now and April 2015.

Right.. So, are we gonna be able to upgrade to 9 for free❔ I mean, the update cycle between major version is much faster now...

Well, that escalated quickly.

I'm not gonna tolerate his hatred towards anything that's different from him... Seriously NIST..
We've had to many racist comments from this guy in the past.. I thought he was taken care of... Read his comments⤵⤵. Typical of him..

Put ya money where ya mouth is fool, and show these racist comments "in the past". Put up, or shut up, simples.

Only god can cure this.

Or perhaps you can start, by providing us with the evidence of all these racist and communist posts I've apparently made over the years?? Perhaps I've been racist towards myself with the use of that abhorrent terminology beginning with the letter N....

Matt.. I'm not going to listen to your racist BS any longer.. I tried to give you a second chance but you didn't take it... I was hoping that you would prove to everyone here on WPC today that your past behavior was behind you, but I'm loosing faith... Dare I say "once a racist always a racist?"... Please stop now. Your attitude is disturbing.. Just leave that crap at home where you learned it.. Please stop the racism once and for all. PLEASE❕

Please just please, show us the evidence of all these racists and communist posts I've made over the years, because I'm really intrigued to see this evidence. Or perhaps admit it never existed in the first place...

Matt❕ You did it❕ You made the comments.. Try lying to someone else... QUIT❕.. Now, you're just being ridiculous.. STOP❕

Of course you're not going to show them, because you have none to show, why? Because they've never been made. As for your comments regarding Daniel Rubino apparently warning me in the past and taking action for racist or communist posts by myself, well I'm sure such posting wouldn't be tolerated on WPC, and in any case, I'm sure Daniel would be happy to confirm whether this is true or not, since I'm more than happy to allow him my permission to divulge such information. And when he confirms no warnings of this nature have ever been given, and you've clearly been living in a parallel universe, then I'm sure you'll quietly distance yourself from this comments thread.

has rodneyj got down's or something?

No.. It just bothers me when this guy attaches to my comments.. He's made to many slanderous comments in the past.. Trust me, you don't want to associate with him.. Racism is not allowed..

You speak of these comments, you speak of these warnings I've apparently received from Daniel, for all my racist postings, you promise (warn me ever) that you will show evidence of this to the world (well at least folk here on wpcentral)... And yet, when it comes to the crunch, the evidence doesn't exist, so you revert to repeatedly calling me a racist bitch, dog, devil, communist etc... Just show us the evidence, please. You know your initial comment of don't post on my thread, was of a childish attitude, and you're further proving this attitude with every post you make.

Tell Ricky Lake, this is a windows phone link! You and Rodney need help, yo.

Matt, have you been on forums again calling the white race inferior to all other races? No, seriously, I hang out here alot, and I haven't seen anything truly racist. Only comments that people wrongfully feel are racist, but that's their own emotional problems.

The sad thing is, he went off on one for the silly reason, I posted in reply to his message. He's now deleted his original messages in an attempt to give his racist chants some credit, but essentially he was acting like a baby, moaning because someone else had posted in "his" comments thread, and something he didn't agree with. Hence my use of the terminology Heil Hitler and Führer, because it seems like he wants to supress opinion lol. Now this original posts made him look very stupid and childish, as though he was throwing his toys out of his pram, and after that, he went on a crusade to tell the world I was a racist, communist, devil, dog, pig etc... More of his postings have been deleted, but he was referring to lots of racist posts I have made in the past (apparently) and claiming if I didn't stop responding to him, I would feel his wrath and if I wanted to be a regular poster on here (because all these past racist posts don't make me a regular lol) I should really avoid getting on the wrong side of him, and how Daniel has banned me multiple times' because of my racist rantings, and how he would expose me by showing the world all my previous racist posts over the years (Because I'm sure wpc would condone such behaviour), yet despite repeated threats to expose m, this evidence has not yet been forthcoming. I've called his bluff and he's nothing to show us. To be honest, he can attempt to make me look like whatever he wants, a racist, an elf, a leprechaun, he can feel free to treat himself, he's made himself look like a 12 year old in his postings, and I do pity the fool. Nevertheless, I hold no grudges, life's to short for all that, but would still love him to expose me with all these past racist, communist and whatever else he accused me of, postings that I have made in the past, or perhaps get Daniel to confirm that they have at some point warned me for racist remarks in the past (meaning such behaviour would be tolerated on wpc). Have a nice day everyone. :)

Brick killed a guy!

Nope, it is still three years. XP lifespan  was an anomaly.

To answer the initial question put out by Rodney, maybe. Maybe not. I just read on The Verge that Microsoft is using Windows 9 as a "patch" upgrade, to fix Windows 8. Given that information, and assuming nothing else is being added, it might just be an 8-9 free upgrade. Although given the nature of MS I doubt it. That's why I am against calling it Windows 9. People are JUST NOW buying Windows 8 laptops. They just started becoming relatively mainstream. So why go to Windows 9 and have people pay for it, forcing them to get ANOTHER laptop only a year later, or force them to pay for an update for their laptop that they just got? Most people don't do that. The fragmentation needs to be fixed somehow. Edit: here's the link for you guys: http://m.technobuffalo.com/2014/01/11/microsofts-windows-9-allegedly-set...

How about MS fixing the touch pad issues on all laptops.
I setup a brand new dell today for a customer still opening other already apen apps in the background or desktop ect.

⬆⬆⬆this⬆⬆⬆⬆

This Pats game is pretty much a wrap. So reading this craziness on WPC is the next best thing, lol

Like!

His racism is no joke, dude.. Lol❕

And yet you laugh out loud at it? A lot of lol'ing from you, considering you're accusing someone of bring a racist, without any evidence to back it up. Anyone would think you're just trolling... Or maybe you're a racist yourself, and that's why it's all amusing to you? Strange, very strange...

Y so serious?

True that...great game, go pats...

I don't remember where I see this new before but threshold is going to name Windows 8.2
First time I hear about Windows 9.
I don't think this is going to be good to Microsoft.

I think of it then weep.

Woohoo! Just got Dell Venue Pro 8, running 8.1, and now in a little more than a year, I'll get an upgraded OS! It's like getting a new computer again....., at least I hope! Great reporting Sam

Keep in mind that it will not be free .... Like every big Windows update

But, that's my question.. If MS is going to seriously shorten the update cycle the how can they not make these updates free❔... Something's got to give.

Why wouldn't it be free? Windows 8 was not well received (I like it) and the added fact that MS now has a windows store to get some revenue from... Why wouldn't windows 9 be free?

We don't know the answer to that question yet..

Why the hell should it be free? Just because they are a big company does not mean they should give everything away for free. MS already gives out a ton of free stuff especially for students, schools, etc. If you don't want to spend a bit stay with Win8. The price has gone down a lot already, I remember when we were paying $400+ for new Windows; now with the faster releases the price is already at $200 for the most expensive version. One thing I hope MS never does is make Windows subscription based like they screwed up Office already.    

U must be working as a lawyer for MS and fear u won't get paid.. Why else would someone WANT to pay when the company may give it for free?. Apple recently announced that Mavericks OS will be free.. On top of that its giving iwork for free too (I know apple won't do that to its top selling product lol) ok so.. MS is already plagued by a plethora of viruses and malwares imagine how hard it is to maintain 3 main OS and variations of it at any point of time. Now imagine if the OS is free.. Everyone will upgrade so it only needs to do security updates for the latest updates... At present windows is the only main OS that is still paid. Mac OSX, Linux Ubuntu, chrome OS.

Lol at the idea that Ubuntu and chrome are in the same league as windows.

+1

U can lol all u want doesn't change the fact that Ubuntu and chrome OS are free and are alternatives that run on much of the same hardware as windows. No one really thought android could even compare to the likes of apples IOS(some still think its not there yet) but look at its growth. Many assembled PC owners opt Ubuntu. Google is tried hard with chrome and android comes installed in the new windows PCs.

Chrome is a glorified browser, and isn't "free" it's paid for with ads and data mining. If 99% of the worlds software won't run on it, it's not a viable OS. What sort of product support do you get with Ubuntu? What kind of guarantee is their for updates and bug fixes? I'm not saying they're not OS's, but to suggest that because they are free, windows should be too is like saying, homeless shelters (Chrome OS) are free, and you can get plans to build your own house for free using found and reclaimed items (Ubuntu), so all homes should be free.

lol, love the analogy  

Wrong interpretation.. I didn't say since Ubuntu is free windows should be free.. I m saying free alternatives are available. I have used Ubuntu but I like mac os far better. I have not used chrome OS but I ve heard it has limitations (internet connectivity) but those are eating away on Microsoft's share.. Mac os is pretty much stagnant its growth graph is horizontal. 1 user gained in these 2 OS is 1 user lost for MS. Now imagine if MS give the OS for free to users.. The advantages are many.. Other than the few I mentioned earlier..losses from pirated software, maintaining an anti piracy wing are areas MS can save.. So far u haven't mentioned one reason for why it should be a paid upgrade.

Because companies need money to develop software and provide product support and to pay for the FREE upgrades and updates that they do constantly produce and offer.

Also many of those 'free' alternatives utilize advertizing and data mining to make their money. I would rather pay for a product then have my data used, or see ads everywhere.  

"U must be working as a lawyer for MS" I wish.  

There is no such thing as a free lunch for consumers. Only payment in other ways like advertising or data mining. The same can be said about open source. Its not always a good choice.

Yea, it will not be free, Ofcourse. But will be cheap in price for licensed users.

Sounds good. Maybe we can get those folders now. Can't wait to see how WP 8.1 will be and then integrated with RT.

boom

Wow, that's pretty soon. Only now am I getting ready to upgrade to Windows 8 (8.1 actually) xD Hopefully they offer a generous discount like they did at the launch of Windows 8.   Well, good for Microsoft. There are definitely still some things that need to be cleaned up in Windows 8.1. Will Windows 9 RT also be announced?

"Threshold" is the group of updates coming out in April 2015 that includes W9, WP integration with W9 and RT merging with WP, and Xbox One improvements that work with W9 as well. Everything is going to be integrated with everything. But Threshold is going to be eliminating RT, so that only WP OS will be found on tablets and convertibles. So unfortunately, there will be no W9RT.

Let in begin...LET IT BEGIN!

Lol❕❕

Really... Just got 8.

Hope they make it a free upgrade like 8.1

My guess would be no. If it was 8.2 then ya but 9 will most likely cost money.

It's like you people haven't been following anything at all about Microsoft. It will most probably be a UPDATE for Win 8.1. And as MS transisions to a devices and services company, they are moving more toward the Apple model of handling software updates. Windows 8 wasn't an update for win7, but win9 is just an update for win8, they're not just going to fix quibbles that people have with the current OS and call it a brand new one, are they?

+(insert infinity sign)

I am trialing windows 9 now

I'm alpha testing WIN10

I'm using WIN95 :P

I'm excited for build :P

Curious what their update model is going to be like. I'm assuming we'll have to pay for W9. How much?

man, over a year left! :P

Wow, you guys have already bought your 2015 calendars? Thats what I call forward thinking.

Hopefully its a back track to 7

Hopefully it won't

Hopefully it will be. Windows 8 is a joke. Its no good for businesses. Its a gimmick

Not sure how a whole operating system can be a gimmick lol.

My only computer with Windows 8 is my business laptop. I love the workflow of it. I have never had an issue, and actually prefer it to 7 now. You just have to know how to use it. :)

You're obviously not aware of the corporate world; you've just highlighted the key issue for business - users don't know how to use newer OS's because Microsoft seem intent on changing things for no apparent/useful reason, and actually in some cases, takes a step back (Win 8, start screen is pathetic for non-touch devices, removal of the start menu was absurd), and when they make these changes, business don't upgrade because it costs lots of money, time and lost hours of productivity to retrain staff to use pointless changes. I know of a few major employers in the UK who are "still" using Windows XP and will "still" continue to use it long after April 2014 has come and gone - when you have 40,000+ employees, and thousands of systems in operation, upgrading to 7/8 was always going to be a challenge and as it stands, systems are still deployed with XP for the simple reason of employee's.

What type of WP device do you have❔

At present Lumia 920, Lumia 620 (going soon), Lumia 710 (backup workhorse), Lumia 610 (work phone). Due an upgrade in April so hopefully a 1020 providing they've not announced a successor for it by then, otherwise I might hold off for it. :)

Then you should know how things work here on WPC.. Grow up❕

Heil Hitler!!

You're racist, prejudice, comments explain everything about who you are.. Where do you live Matt❔

The mother land.

No offence dude. But people do find that offensive you know that

I'm telling you guys.. He has been warned before for his racist, communistic, oppressive, hatred... What's wrong with people like this.. SMH.

The use of term motherland is offensive? Wow! And there's me thinking the US was all about liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, happy people and light-hearted banter! Since he likes describing me as a racists, communist etc, I thought I'd give him a reason to call me an imperialist, since it seems the term has fallen out of favour these days. As for Heir Hitler, its a common term over here in jolly old England, used to describe someone who is trying to dictate to others and suppress them. I guess the US don't like it; but then we don't particularly like the use of Dutch-derived slave terms such as Nigger and Negro that seem to be in every day usage over in the US and S.American countries, but I certainly don't lose sleep over it. I'd rather some respond to me Heir Hitler than to call me a racist term. ;)

Th⬆s is typical of this guy people.. This is exactly what he does everytime.. Lol.. Now he's trying to cover his tracks... WPC.. Will you please stop these kind of members from ruining everyone else 's time here.. This guy is completely unacceptable❕
Can you believe this guy said that the use of the "N" word is acceptable in the US.. Wait, let me dig up some of his previous post over the months. This is going to blow your mind...

Cover my tracks on what? Why don't you stop crying like a baby, and actually realise the world doesn't revolve around you. The guys at WPC may actually not read your comments (im sure they'll risk facing your wrath when you start your New World Order for not reading each and every one of your comments over the years) and may not even see your little crying comment on here, go to them direct. As I've said before, put up or shut up. You just keep spreading malicious accusations and lies, but I'm and adult and I'm not going to make silly childish statements like you that I'm going to sue you for slander etc, or my daddy's a lawyer etc, ill just leave you to your own devices, keep making these unfounded accusations, because in cyberspace, no-one can hear you (except maybe if your Daniel Rubino :D ).

I'm sorry if I said anything to offend you..

Every other rap song by all your rap artists features the horrid Dutch slace term, or an offspin of it. So its an offensive word over there, but its allowed in popular media? Right... Over here, you'd be prosecuted by the police and her majestys crown prosecution service for the use of such terminology in public, and possibly land yourself in jail.

Who says I listen to rap, or support that❔.. Choose words carefully, my friend.

In your country, the term is allowed. Its even promoted by your popular media, as an integral part of your culture. Over here in the UK, the use of the term in public is a crime. Football players from S.America have found themselves in serious trouble for using such words during a match, because such words in S.American states are apparently in common use and not seen as offensive. So yeah, I don't think we'll be taking many lectures from those two continents with regards racist terminology and use of it. We've had that covered for a long time, enshrined in law. I respect the changes the US has made, since the likes of Martin Luther and Michael Jackson, but the fact that degrading word is still allowed over there, is pretty shocking. Still, different terminologies means different things to different people, and over here heir hitler is not an offensive term. And we lost millions of men, women and children (yes, my grandfather lied about his age, and was a boy soldier, serving in France and Egypt during World Wad II fighting against Hitler, like many underage boys did), so don't try to educate us of the meaning of the term and person Hitler was. Additionally, we partnered your nation as the first line of defense against the soviet union during the cold war, and a fundamental reason for the fall of the iron curtain was thatchers (nicknamed the iron lady by the Russians for her determination and courage) friendship/alliance with Gorbachev. So yeah, we're certainly not communist. We're part of Europe, the Ukranians are currently demonstrating in their millions to become part of Europe in a bid to put the constraints of their communist ideologies behind them.

Its ok now, Matt.. Nobody is perfect.. You don't have to explain yourself.

But I'm still intrigued to see all these posts from the past that prove I'm a racist, communist devil bitch etc... And waiting... And waiting... And waiting.......... The death clock is ticking, I won't live eternally.

Now, I've apologized to you.. How would it look if I did that.. Really.. Besides, those who know you around here have already seen your past hatred towards others.. I'm not going to stoop to your level, so quit asking me to.

It would look magical, because you have no posts to show. The only person around here who looking stupid, is you, calling someone racist because you have the mentality of a child who's not quite past the stage of pre-school yet, and overreacted simply because someone made a post that you didn't like. And then you have the audacity to accuse someone else of being communist!!! In the Soviet Union elections, voter turnout was regularly below 30%; but then there was little point in bothering, when there was only ever one name on the ballot paper to chose from.

You sure are doing a lot of explaining tonight.. Is this what the rest of your experience is going to be like here on WPC❔..
I like to help people like you.. So, do we need more intervention❔ Remember, it's your choice.

Help everyone by showing the evidence of my racist/communist/trolling ways that you so fondly talk of...

Ok.. That's it. Its time for me to report your behavior to staff.. You just don't know when to quit.

Go for it, you've been whipped, despite all your earlier threats towards me. Pwnd.

Do you two need a room?

Can these comments actually get any more narrow?

That is exactly what he does not do. He is whoring for attention.

it's Heil Hitler

Lol❕.. He's not even a good racist.. LMFAO. just joking

don't get me in the argument !
i was fixing the word 
(totally not a grammar nazi) :)

Lol❕.. Not a argument,,, a lesson...

You are correct. Its late over here.

Time for bed now.. Tomorrow we'll talk about what we learned tonight.. Nite, Nite❕ Don't let the bedbugs bite❕❕❕

Thank you! I didn't want to step into the quarrel between them but the "Heir" was really itching my inner-History buff =P

Why not❔.. People should speak up against racism.

If I was up to me I would ban you both for polluting these threads with your useless bickering. Not everyone wants to scroll through all this crap when trying to read peoples opinions on the posted article.

+1 it's like watching two kids with buckets on their heads colliding into each other repeatedly

I'm from Braunau/Austria (yes, Hitler's birth place) and if you say Heil Hitler here you should better run fast. You should really stop this shit, as rodney said ...

It's so unfortunate that there isn't a "flag comments" button here. This sort of hateful troll diatribe is what I'd expect on a site targeted to nerdy virgin Google fanboys, not Windows.

Yeah... I've never seen something like that on a Google/android related forum so... no, just no.

Couple of points, in most cases I find that xp is still deployed, not for the sake of the employee but for the sake of IT and the fact that they have no plan in place and they have no system management tools or application testing plans. If a company with over 40000 employees has neither of these and plan to stick with XP after April then the only thing they are planning for is a disaster after official support ends because at some point it's going to happen.

Oh yes, the company in question isn't exactly familiar with terms such as redundancy etc, but then they're also not familiar with spending millions every time Microsoft need to raise there share price. I'll leave the company un-named for the sake of privacy (private company) but they run hotels, coffee shops etc... In the UK, narrows it down considerably. The NHS, the 3rd largest employer in the world with over 1 million employeers, still has the majority of its systems running XP, the migration to 7 was never widespread due to the sheer scale and cost of such a project. Being government and confidential data etc, their network is more secure than most, but that's not the point. They will likely be running and out of date OS three years from now, because the cost to retrain staff and deploy new systems is colliding with a time of massive government cutbacks in finance, and IT was the first area they squeezed, when the decision was between that and doctors/nurses/patients/operations/equipment lol.

I suggest you read the book "Who moved my cheese?" Change happens throughout life. Deal with it.

Lol❕ Perfect.. Great comment.. Pray for the closed minded.

And as History has proven over and over and over and over again, "change" isn't a synonym of "better" ;)

Hopefully it won't, because it's not a gimmick. I swear, some people need to learn what gimmick means.

It must be troll Saturday. Go read a book.

Youre a gimmick

-920

God, if it goes back to anything like the old OSs, I'll stick with 8.1! Move forward and onward!

Windows is tha best OS of all times

I'm hoping if they charge it'll be a small upgrade price like Apple charges (ie leopard -> snow leopard).

Windows 9 is probably not going to be a free upgrade. They might initially lower the price but I doubt it will be free. Just hope that they allow rt tablets to be upgradeable.

Free?

Dobby must be given a sock before he is free

Is my my Lumia 925 get an update for windows phone 9 or do I have to get a new phone???

Guess..... new phone, duh 925 is already dated

That's sucks I don't need a faster phone yet where's Intel I can't wait till we get x86 processor on phones just install that shit on my phone get a new phone in four years run games with lower graphics lol

You dont need a fast phone yet. But 2015 isn't exactly right now. It's

You guys do realize this is W9 not WP9

Im gueesing current wp8 devices will get wp9 updates. I think theyre trying to build a solid fan base since they broke it into tiny pieces by not upgrading wp7 to wp8

With this time frame I might keep my 3 years old windows 7 Asus laptop as it is and upgrade (new laptop) only then, assuming I can squeeze another year out of it.

Damn April seems to be so far away, someone i know from Instagram said to me that the Windows Phone 8.1 update will be much bigger in terms of features then the update of Windows Phone 7.5 to 8, he saw that with his own eyes he told me :) ... This makes me even more exciting ...

Not too hard to believe considering mango added a ton of features and that was almost 2 years ago... Def time for a ton more new features!

Agreed, i don't know how many features where added with Mango, because when i went Windows Phone Mango was already released, but there need to be more features with this update :)  

Will Windows 9 be free for current Windows 8 users, or will MS still be charging for their new iterations of Windows?

Probably you will have to pay for it :(

After three years there is a new OS and we pay for. Nothing new...

Hopefully they'll do the same deal as W8 where everyone could get it for $15

+1

Hopefully Windows Phone 8 devices will be fully upgradable to Windows Phone 9. Also, what happened to the Windows 8 Phone?

+1: please do fill us in!

Windows 9 will support windows? Wow, that's....progress, I guess?

Took Windows a lot of time to realize that windows are cool :-)

Does this apply to WP8? Should we expect to see WP9 sometime near the release of W9?

Mary Jo Foley does mention about wp9 alongside with windows 9

First question that comes to mind: will it be delivered as a free update for people on W8.x to face Apple's new policies?
Given that Windows is the main source of revenue for Microsoft along with Office, although I would like it, I doubt it will come for free. That said, what I want from Windows 9 is very simple: enough with the Metro.
It was tried, it floped, enough. Get rid of it, period. If you want to keep the Live Tiles, then put them on desktop as a replacement of the current icons. BUT don't constrict them to a fixed grill. Allow them to be moved with the same freedom current icons are and be reduced to as small as current icons are.
The Start Menus is, obviously, a must return. But that'll be coming even before W9 so, they just need to keep it.
As for the App Store...meh. They better indeed find a way for programmers to code only once for Windows. That would be the ideal. Which means developing to the point that current x86 programs could in the future run on any Windows tablet or smartphone. This is what I expected from Microsoft when I first heard of their partnership with Nokia and this was one of the biggest disappointments I had with the OS.
That would make the App Store unnecessary but Microsoft could then use the Store as an "Official download place" where companies could place their programs for sale instead of having to run their individual websites. That would ensure developers would not only code for Windows first but would give them a platform that would reduce costs for them by eliminating the need to have websites, security purchasing systems etc put in place to sell their programs.
 

The tile idea needs to stay. People see them everywhere now, it is a huge part of the Microsoft family. Removing them would slap consumers right across the face. Can't remove them now. Especially if the world advances to touch as Microsoft predicted.

+1..They just need to integrate it and make it one.There should be just one UX across the whole OS not two as it is now.

All that time I stuck up for you, and I finally know why.. See, I knew you weren't so bad.. But, I did find the biggest idiot on WPC and his name is MattLFC❕.... He's toast❕
Racism is not acceptable❕

You're making me aware of him like a brand!!! Don't make people famous :P

I apologized to him. Nobody's perfect.. His racist behavior was taught to him by others, but hopefully he'll find his own way someday.. Its called compassion.. I'm done.

Oh how I feel for you. Such a sad little person who can't actually follow through with the threats he makes. If you make a threat, at least have the ability to see it through. You didn't.
If you make a statement, at least be able to back it up. You didn't.
If you make a promise, keep it. You didn't.
Sorry, but you're an epic fail. Hare to be the burden of bad news. Still, you're alive, so enjoy life!!

Another hateful comment from a proven racist.. Typical..

Ok, this is starting to get annoying. What has he said? If you are gonna fill the entire thread with such serious accusations, and campaign against an individual, then you need to give an example and back it up. Everything said here is stored, so what's the problem?

+920 Talk about the article or go away. Please!

Glad I'm not the only one who is thinking this. I simply wish he'd follow through with his threats, and expose all these past racist postings that I've apparently made, and wpc have apparently been happy to condone... Or better still, just admit that there was no postings such as he speaks, and he's fabricated the whole to punish domone for posting in "his" comment thread...... :)

Windows Phone 8.1 was never on the same schedule as Windows 8.1. The products launching under Threshold are said to be aimed to release around the same time of each other.

Are you sure your answer was supposed to be aimed at me? 'cause I didn't mentioned WP8.1 anywhere...

Mispost, apologies

Who cares? Lol

I work for government in uk, we use xp and will still use it for a while. Police, fire and ambulance 999 call centres all use it too

No wonder your getting hacked into.(maybe)

Same in the NHS bud :)

Too soon, really...

Agreed. I'm sure the new CEO will very quickly change this. This is far from concrete imo.

Just intime for my birthday! Awesome

Oh yeah mine too. ;)

There's one thing that bothers me WAY TOO MUCH! Why can't microsoft release Windows Phone 9 along with Windows 9. Why didnt they Release Windows Phone 8 when Windows 8 launched, and release WP 8.1 when W8.1 launched?
The same goes for Internet Explorer. Desktops and WinRT are using IE 11, and WP is using IE10. Why can't they just go with the same numbers?

I would love that ! Really, if Microsoft did that, there would be double the excitement ... But i doubt Microsoft would ever do that ...  

Windows Phone 8.1 was never on the same schedule as Windows 8.1. The products launching under Threshold are said to be aimed to release around the same time of each other.

Might happen once they get Win RT and phone to converge into Windows mobile and thus,have just 2 versions of windows.

Brace yourself my grandson! You're getting the WP9

Really ?

boo! just make the Nokia Black update released then in a matter of 3 days WP8.1, before you set the Windows 9 release:

How Ms fixing the touch pad issues on all laptops?
I just set up a brand new today for someone and the touch pad is still taking all over the place like from desktop to an already open app ect.

First, I can't wait for Build if this is the case. Second to answer someone above Threshold is a series of releases including Windows, Windows Phone, and the Xbox so they will come out together (The head of OS was head of Windows Phone). On Microsoft talking about Windows 9 at Build, that's for developers and OEMs. One complaint about the Sinofsky era WinDiv is that it kept too much stuff to itself which many consider just as bad as the previous groups "Let it all out even its not ready" style. According to Thurrott whatever information given about Threshold is to inform the main audience for Build (devlopers) on where the platform is going. On why this is being called Windows 9 and not 8.5 I guess its to allow the platform to get away from the controversy borne from Windows 8; also because Threshold is a major shift in terms of platform direction. Threshold is bringing an update to Metro, running tablet (maybe phone) apps on the desktop and more unification between screens. I think that is enough change to warrant a number change. Also remember Windows and Windows Phone will see updates in-between. So Metro is not going away, but it will change and so will RT. Now as to pricing and upgrading, Microsoft is planning on having current devices upgradable and if 8.1 is an indication, it'll be free for current Windows 8/8.1 users and those who've upgraded to 8.1. I don't expect Microsoft to stop selling Windows in stores. I do think based on recent news Microsoft may reduce the price on the box and possibly make RT/Phone free for OEMs. Outside of that this is wait and see. 

April fool? No, i'm so kidding. ;p

Microsoft has always been the innovator, I can only imagine that they will continue. The best and brightest in the entire world!

Lol, this hole thread is one big argument. I like pickles.

Well I don't like pickles, and I'm offended that you do ;)

Well who cares what you like, noone asked you whether you like them or not!! :)

I'm offended that you didn't call them gherkins :P

All I want is windows 8 notification centre, and to use metro apps on desktop

Damn. A little early for this lol

I want it to be awesome.

if 9 is next ...y call it 8.1 y not 8.5 ..oh well

I'd settle for bring back Zune!

I think due to the several differences between some live tiles fans and old fashion desktop Microsoft would make a system that allows users to choose what view they want, the icon, or the live tile. That could solve people "confusion" about the great metro view and the old fashion desktop. Well is my opinion.

I think this is all GREAT news! For MS to achieve their vision of Windows and move forward, these changes are necessary. Any hatred/dislike of Windows 8, I personally feel (in most cases) is unwarranted. Its a matter of most just following what a group of vocal individuals say. Or someones brothers friends cousin who works in an IT department, saying how much Windows 8 sucks. Its all just foolish talk. I'm not saying there are not certain instances where Windows 7 or even Vista are working better for a persons certain application, but as a whole Windows 8 is MUCH better. I for one have yet to run into ANY issues running music production software (NOTORIOUS for not accepting newer OS updates), photography software, games, etc etc. As a whole, I just think it falls into that category where most people are just hoping on a "bandwagon of hate". At times, even media makes t seem "cool" to not like something. The same can be said for Xbox One and the arguments surrounding its capabilities versus PS4. Or even people who dislike Apple (for whatever reason) finding ways to just dislike anything they release. Right now, MS is in this type of position, pretty much anything they do will be shrouded in some controversy. Some it of created by them and their own mis-management of information (i.e. Xbox One DRM debacle) or just the media ASSUMING that all ships for innovation have left the dock and sailed, leaving MS behind. Crazy talk. Even if your a DIE HARD Windows 7 user, there was no way that interface was going to work properly or nicely with touch screen devices. Thats the biggest thing driving devices these days. They are all touch screen and any that are not are immediately deemed old. There were plenty of touch screen PCs running Windows 7, none sold well or performed admirably (maybe a select few), but the general consensus was that Windows wasn't ready for that interface just yet. However, Windows 8 brought forth that idea. For a first iteration of this new vision, it has been very good. Considering the lengths MS must go through in order to completely change their OS to fit these new form factors and devices, I'd say they are off to a good start. It NEEDS to happen. Sticking with just.a Start Menu (even if they bring it back) and changing nothing is literally suicide. Yeah, the faithful few will cheer that MS listened to them and didn't "fix" what wasn't broken, but any new users, younger generation, even older generations looking for something new and fresh, would eventually see that its stagnant. If that happens its over. There's no coming back. Its been the same for DECADES. DECADES. Let it go and embrace the future. Yes, its rough right now for some (depending on their computer use/needs). yes, there is now NEW things to re-learn. Yes, your Control Panel has been slightly moved. Yes, your IT dept will need to train a select few incapable of learning again (smh). Its not the end, its the beginning of something alot more adaptable to a future of mobile computing. Any company refusing to change or touting that they will remain with Windows XP or even 7 for the foreseeable future, is a company not looking for their own longevity. This isn't a case of holding onto something classic, like a 67 Camaro, this is like holding onto a broken down 1995 Corolla and saying the 2014 model isn't as good. With all that said, I can see that people and the media are going to consider Windows 8 the "Vista" of this generation when Windows 9 comes out. Now, if they call it Windows 8.5, then not as much, but its unfortunate that it will be regulated to the disaster that Vista was, as if it was even on that same level of misstepping. It has paved the way for what is to be, even if not all users are on board. I wouldn't expect the masses to just follow suit, its hard enough moving people from Office 2033-2007 to anything in this decade. I can't imagine telling them about a new OS. Either way, I hope MS continues with the look of Windows 8, the Metro Apps and the overall interface. Throwing in new features and the ability to run apps on the Desktop are all welcome additions, but do not start changing Windows back to a Windows 7-like experience, that would be terrible. Can't wait for the new information this April!

The comments...lol.

Am I the only one that hates finding out about news way too early. Now I know how long I have to wait. Shoot!lol

Man this people with this big Ass comments they should work for WPC there comments are bigger than the article it sell and no wonder I having that dream da other night just like Lennon did number 9 number 9 number 9.......number 9

please stop.

Don't see why everybody is complaining. If they did release it as a new version of Windows in 2015 they would on the 2-3 year cycle which has always been the case except for Windows ME/2000/XP. 1.0 - 1985 2.0 - 1987 3.0 - 1990 3.1 - 1992 95 - 1995 98 and 98 SE - 1998 and 1999 ME and 2000 - 2000 XP - 2001 Vista - 2006 7 - 2009 8 and 8.1 - 2012 and 2013 9? - 2015   Excludung with ME/2000/XP fiasco all Windows upgrades have been every 2 or 3 years. Microsoft has been back on that schedule since the 7 came 3 years after Vista.

This ^^

It's the sense of entitlement that modern consumers seem to hold that drives this. Anything later than yesterday is too late, and anything more than free is too expensive.

Just gimmie Cortana and I'm in love. Please be Jen Taylors voice....mmmm.

Hope they never make windowed metro apps, that'd be a degradation. They should vice versa make every full screen desktop app have a dedicated desktop instance along with metro apps. Why they didn't do that yet I wonder.

Why should people with massive and multiple screens be forced to either have a full-screen app or a column of varying sizes? It makes sense to have it in any size we want, or at least more options like quarters with one in each corner.

Because you are right about quarters, just add horizontal splitting and professionals are happy.

I guess the following:
1. Deeper integration of social connections.
2. Enabling all features eg: Bing xbox music and other services to use it as per the regional barrier, instead of not providing the services.
3. From one account, a user can easily access to all the windows, microsoft services by default insted of downloadiing the apps from the store so, to expect less downloads from stores. Eg: Skype.
4. Combine platform of WP and Windows together will be great. So, if a user is at someones place, can access his settings and behavior of a phone/pc to his friends pc/phone.
5. Redesigning the tiles to give more info' with twists and turns, flip and flicks for each and every single apps from small, big, large tile.
6. Redesigning the email bydefault generate app in WP, which allows to select from which alias/emailId you want to send/receive mails from..
Guess theres more than this but I guess Microsoft, lets make Windows Phone and windows more personal again.

Calm down everyone.

Sounds like a whole lotta nothing. Until more verifiable details are released, no point in speculating.

Give up the beta. My OS of choice.

IMO the comments section need moderators and some people need to be BANNED. Now getting back to the topic, Microsoft can`t do what Apple did by giving away software,at least Windows 9 or the next releases of it/office for free simply because unlike Apple,they are not an exclusively devices and services company .I really can`t see it happening in the immediate future too.They would be a bit of both.For the devices running windows mobile version,after the possible convergence of Win RT and Windows phone,the software would be free.So,possibly Windows 9 mobile would be free while Win 9 as such will NOT.We may need to dream of a day when there are just Microsoft notebooks/PCs available if Win 9 need to be freeware and i just don`t see that happening with all the OEMs around.

I guess what apple did showed us their desperation to gain market share

Im deadly waiting for app install on sd card. My l1320 is full right now!! Not sure what to do if the feature never comes out.

What exactly is new in windows 9? Anyone..?

i think it's supposed to be "threshold" which will compine WinRT + WinPro + WP + Xbox to one single OS
or only the Store 
 

Bit soon to talk about 9

One thing that's always bugged me when new updates arrive from MS since Win 8 is the way they've always made it very clear the update was Free, as if to make us feel grateful and prepare us another update that wont be free. This is probably gonna be that update. :-/

I had to swipe up like a hundred times you get to the bottom of these comments, my thumbs tired..

Or u could of pressed the button on the side of refresh sign and pressed jumped to last(the ...)

Lmfao!! I didn't even know it was there :D

A lot of frustrated comments.. This is a RUMOR people. For all we know its coming in 2015 but it will be called 8.5. Or its free for everyone who has W8 and its just a marketing attempt to get away from the bad rep.

Why don't They just drop the numbers all together. Just have Windows as your operating system and update it to fix bugs and other things. Its getting to hard to keep up and it makes it look like Microsoft isn't confident in there work. If there not careful there going to make it far too easy for Linux to slip in ahead of them.

Because Microsoft needs to make a profit. It's also not as if you need to buy each and every version. For example if you're on Windows 7 and looking to upgrade then its nice that a new version is coming out in 2015 instead of having to buy a version from 2013. Or were you joking? The Linux comment seems to suggest so. But its often hard to tell on the internet.

I want to see waw factor both from hardware and software. Make me want to buy another tablet/laptop/pc again.

Call it 8.2 or 8.5 , because calling it version 9 means a complete new version

it's a complete new OS

People don't seem particularly annoyed when their phone becomes outdated in 6 months, but 3 years between OS upgrades is apparently an issue?

Because they are stupid. I hate it when I save money to buy a flagship phone that will be outdated or they tend to stop supporting the phone

+920

it's not only Microsoft
it's the way any company will do to make profit
i bought HTC one X in 2012 in less than a 6 months there was one X+ which got more Ram
and then in 2013 there is HTC One which is the new flagship and in this year there will be a new HTC Two (M8)

If you wait for the next best thing, then you won't have anything to complain about.

January 12, 2016 is the end date of wp8 support

I looking forward to download this on tpbay, install via usb, and call skype UK to activate.

haha, there is a lot methods than a skype call

So basically, mark your calendars for September 2015.

LOL 70% of PC here in the Philippines are still Win XP users.

It's happened more updates and more freezing phones and tablets. Yesterday I had hard reset on my lumia and lost some data. I see Windows go back to normal like before by badly optimal code for the core of the system. Applause. Windows 7.0 for lumia 800 was the best what I had. Now everything look like inventory by IBM in Auschwitz ( anyway interesting dark side of the history about IBM in Holocaust )

So what I want for future version of Windows is to ʎɟᴉuod the operating system.

2015?

Yes... It's the year that comes after 2014

W9 will be free for early registers of Live or Microsoft account (or whatever it will be called then), and then free for all who have an account (really just a ploy to get sign-ups). It will cost $9.15 to purchase from a store. You read it here first.

Hmmm, have I missed something? Microsoft hasn't announced ANYTHING about Windows 9.
So why all the angry talk and FUD being dropped here?

Good news

Im interested in instagram final release rather than windows I never used after W7 anyway...

Go grab trial extreme 3 guys yippiee yoohoo free

Microsoft is switching to the new vision "Windows as a service". Maybe we will pay a monthly fee for what we are using only (as Office 360 and VS Online). That would be perfect for me :)

Windows 9 is coming, windows 8.1 is coming, Windows phone Lumia black is coming, GDR3 update is coming. But when these will come in my phone? Tired of waiting waiting and waiting...

I have Windows 8.1 on my PC since autumn, Lumia Black and GDR3 on my phone since last week. 99% of your argument is invalid.

Dude! I have 8.1 in mine too. But i m talking about windows phone. I have lumia 520. So neither GDR3 nor lumia black has arrived on my phone. So 100% of my commnt is corrct.

then say windows PHONE OS... which has nothing to do with this article since we are talking about WINDOWS PC OS. not the phone OS.
so why you even complain about it? also... you could have GDR3 via de developer preview if you wanted, black it just the update from nokia, firmware and stuff like that. but the GDR3 is the same....
and of course your comment its almost 100% correct for YOU, so nobody else cares about it. you just have bad luck, since other users have already black update...
and now Windows PHONE 8.1 its next.

According to me since microsoft launches it's Windows 8 OS is no longer user friendly they made it complex and really sucks to new user who just begain to use PC like old age people. I want to microsoft to made it user friendly.

Stop whining and read this http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_8

Windows 8 support details
Start date: October 30, 2012[3]
Mainstream support: Until January 9, 2018
Extended support: Until January 10, 2023

I want a new Windows Media Player or Xbox Music Desktop client. Also new Windows Photo Gallery. Vor WP, I want to der Windows App data sync to Windows Phone. Ans an easier was to port apps, so we can see 6tag on Windows. Bookmarks, passwords etc. Should sync with WP and Win IE. I want Reading list. Audio recorder. Week view for calendar and better month view. And, of course, the final version of Bing Maps app with 3d images for Win and WP. And all these apps should sync data, like read later, audio recordings, or I can make a route on my PC and then get navigated to it later on my phone. Furthermore, I'm really excited for Cortana in combination with Bing smart search. Finally that search button will have a real reason to exist.

Part of me wants a new Windows Media Player, as the current one is, what, almost five year old software? The other part of me dreads it, as knowing Microsoft, they'll repeat the Zune to Xbox Music experience, i.e. kill WMP and replace it with a new application with stripped out functionality.

There's some features on w8 that I scratched my head as to why MS deleted. customizing tiles is an example. Initially, you just did a quick flick down on a tile to open customize feature. In w8.1, you have to hold the tile, then go to bottom menu and change your tile. Just angers me that MS listens to the haters and they end up making the OS worse. MS can't afford to go backwards. Touch computing and hybridization of PC and tablet is the future! MS just have to stand firm!

WP 8.1 and for all windows phone 8 device to be upgradable to WP 9 .... That's what I expect

Has anyone considered that it will be called Windows One? I mean, it sounds like with this whole Threshold initiative Microsoft is trying to unify Xbox, Windows Phone, Windows 8, and Windows RT. They already called the Xbox the Xbox One. If they combine them into one OS, then Windows One would be a fitting name, right? And yes, I'm aware the name sounds awful.

I love it!

I just want CalDAV for my existing Windows 8.1 RT so I can sync Google Calendar.  The rest makes little difference to me.

This is based upon speculation and attribution to unnamed sources - AKA a rumor.  It is also from someone who has demonstrated that he knows less than he claims and just does not like the fact he has become irrelevant. It would be nice if you would classify this stuff accordingly. It would also be nice if you at least got the trajectory correct - there will be an effort move Windows Phone towards Windows, not the other way around.  BTW, how did that Blue unification work out for the people who run this site, and spewed that incessant garbage for more than a year? Oh, that right - Blue was (as it was always supposed to be) Windows 8.1 - not some mythical (and utterly unsubtantiated) unification of anything.  I am sorry but neither the editors of (and/or contributors to) this site, nor your (mostly wrong) sources have any credibility.

April 2015 for Threshold? Mmmm...One project!

Too soon, unless Microsoft is totaly redoing (aka moving from the W8 interface back to the W7 type) the look, it is too sooon. Truth be told, it's a known thing, that Windows 8/8.1 is not doing very well in the corporate sector. The numbers are not even close to what the acceptance of Windows 7 was and still is. Most Coporations who are putting in new computers select Windows 7. It's just the facts here. I know MS is trying to make money and push out a new OS but, This type of thing is what causes marketplace crashes, as no one will upgrade and it will cause longer term issues for Microsoft. Stick to a 3-5 year scheule for a complete OS changes (3 years for crappy ones, 5 for good ones) and we should be good here.

Its a long ways to go yet 2015. I'm more interested in wp8.1 supposedly coming couple months from now. Knowing MS, I bet 6-7 months until we get 8.1. But hopefully we'll get a dev release.

Has anyone noticed that Pixel Gun 3D has made it's way to Windows Phone? I tipped WP Central yesterday but I don't think they've noticed.

Notification panel is absurd. The whole concept of Metro-Modern design is wraped around tiles. Isn't it obvious that MS should improve live-tiles experince, maybe to be more strict when they are checking software before placing it in their marketplace, and dont alow to post software with poor tile experience. But no, they are giving us notification center. So maybe they should give an option to set a background, pin a a widget and round corners of tiles?! And yeah, Nokia already have folders. Great. Lets make it more iphony-style.

What I learned, was on wp7 and got screwed over... If I were to buy a wp8 I will get screwed over once more...

I thinks its stupid to do OS overhauls every year If Microsoft is aiming at businesses this is counter productive. And the fact windows 8 pro cost like $200 so 9 will probably be the same is also ridiculous.

I'm hoping that in windows 9, the OS will auto-detect if you have a touch screen device active.  If so, it'll simply ask if you would like to use the Modern home screen.  If you don't have one on your computing device, that screen should simply never be utilized.  Would make for a more smart modernization.

Hopefully they'll offer a 40 dollar upgrade again like they did with Win8.  I'm hoping they do integrate more services between the mobile and desktop enviroments.   Turn windows into a truly unified OS. 

I don't understand that line "Threshold update for Windows will see the platform called Windows 9. We expect an update to Windows 8.1 ... That update will probably be called Update 1, but is known internally at Microsoft as GDR1. Update 1 for Windows 8.1 is expected to be finished in March and released to the public for free in April." Why don't just call it Windows 8.1.1? Or is it just too "Androidish"?  

Shouldn't it be Windows 8.2?

Fail

Too many numbers! Make it stop!!!

Stephen_az Paul Thurrott is one of the most respected authors and bloggers regarding anything MS , WP, and Technology in general. You, sir, have failed in your argument.

Why announce it this far out?  This could affect sales of current PCs and devices, otherwise known as the Osborne Effect, or for those so inclinde, the Elop Effect. There's certainly nothing wrong with putting it together now, but Microsoft needs to do a better job of holding its cards close to its vest and not tease a product over a year out. This is the last thing Windows OEMs need right now, given declining PC sales.

My birthday's in April :)

5bucks say none of us have a 2015 calendar yet

Windows 9 Beta started Today! Check it: http://hack-methods.com/windows-9-beta

I did mark my calendar...lol  Not quite accurate though