What we know so far about the upcoming Windows 8.1 Update 2 and Windows 9

Ron

What we know so far about the upcoming Windows 8.1 Update 2 and Windows 9

Windows 8.1 Update 2 (or Windows 8.2 as some people are calling it) and Windows 9 are the two big upcoming updates to the Windows operating system. We’ve heard rumors, we’ve all read reports, and we’ve all seen the leaked information. So when are these two updates set to arrive? Let’s recap what we know so far.

Windows 8.1 Update 2 is set to be the next update to Windows 8.1. Microsoft gave us Windows 8.1 Update 1 in April of this year and a consistent rumor pegs August or September of this year for the release of Windows 8.1 Update 2. 

Windows 9, on the other hand, is a bit blurred. We’ve heard various reports stating that it will make an appearance in April of 2015. In Windows 9, we are expected to see modern apps in a window, allowing us to run these apps on the desktop. You will also be able to pin modern apps to the desktop taskbar which will launch in window mode too. This feature will further blur the line between the desktop and the modern environment.

The Start Menu, which Microsoft had originally promised for Windows 8.1 Update 2, is now pegged for release in 2015, likely with Windows 9. Microsoft hasn’t explained why the Start Menu was pushed back, but we do know for sure that it will be returning. We’ve embedded the video of the new Start Menu in action below, in case you haven’t seen it yet. The lack of a Start Menu and Start Button was the center of controversy for Windows 8. Microsoft brought back the Start button with Windows 8.1.

Microsoft is also working on Cortana, the digital voice assistant for Windows Phone 8.1, and is planning on bringing her to Windows. Rumor claims we might see Cortana in Windows 9.

To recap, we are expecting Windows 8.1 Update 2 in a few months (roughly August or September 2014) and Windows 9 in April of 2015. It’s time to get excited, as these dates are rapidly approaching. We will have in-depth coverage as well as hands-on reviews of both Update 2 and Windows 9 when they becomes available.