Microsoft will unveil the new Windows 9 in a press event on September 30th. We may be a few weeks away from seeing the future of Microsoft’s flagship software, but that didn’t stop those who had early access to provide some noteworthy features. We give you a rundown of what to see from the next-gen operating system.
The return of the Start menu… with a twist
Microsoft has been on the receiving end of the backlash since the release of the modern Windows 8 since it practically killed the much-loved start menu in favor of a new start screen with live ‘metro’ tiles.
Now, The Redmond Giant is getting back to basics by bring it back… but still, with the metro tiles. A screenshot leaked from a technical preview showed the Windows Start Menu along the live tiles at the right side.
Interactive live tiles
These live tiles don’t just redirect you to places and programs, but rather interact with them directly from where they are, giving new life to the rather static icons. These were previewed earlier this year on Windows Next by Microsoft Research, as seen in the video.
The interactive tiles will not initially be a part of the technology preview, and will be added on in the future updates.
Cortana for PC
Many praised Cortana on the Windows (phone) for its efficiency, and the digital assisant is arriving to the desktop platform along with the slew of the new features coming to the upgraded OS.
Evidently in its early stages, Cortana currently supports location, time and people information.
New Notifications Center
Windows 8 introduced system toasts for new app notifications. On winsows 9, Users can now check on their missed toast updates through a notification center placed at the taskbar.
Better support for virtual desktops
Virtual desktop cloning will now be a staple in the new OS as Windows puts a virtual window button besides the Search on the taskbar. The icon can be used to create and clone virtual desktops. New workspaces can easily be created, perfect for multitasking and organizing .
Relocated search icon
Windows 9 is axing the charms bar featured in its predecessor, which included the system’s search function. The instant search feature, first seen on Vista, is now located beside the start menu for quick access.
Full-screen Apps can now run in desktop
‘Metro’ apps can now be directly run in window mode from the desktop. Scrrenshots show that metro-style icons were run on the traditonal desktop, complete with a mini menu and the usual minimize, maximize and close buttons.
While Windows 9 may not be called ‘Windows 9′ at all because of the current brand restructing efforts done at Redmond, one thing’s for sure: We’re going to get a glimpse of the improvements we’ve been waiting for since the last OS update this September 30th.
[with reports from 1, 2, 3, 4 ]
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