Microsoft has finally confirmed that it will hold its much-awaited and long-expected press event on Sept. 30 in San Francisco. The event will be led by Terry Myerson, the company's Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, and Joe Belfiore, the Corporate Vice President for the company's Operating Systems Group.
The invitation was sent out on Sept. 15 via email, and it reads, "Join us to hear about what's next for Windows and the enterprise. Sept. 30, 2014"
As the invite indicates, the event will focus on what the company has planned for the operating system. According to The Verge, it is likely that the company will provide a "Windows Technical Preview" during the event or at a later time. The preview will give Enterprise and corporate users and developers the chance to review the changes that the company is making, and they can provide feedback for the improvement of the upcoming Windows OS. It is expected that updates on the "Windows Technical Preview" will be rolled out regularly until it is ready for public release, presumably sometime in 2015.
"We understand Microsoft is planning more UI changes to the desktop, and a number of those improvements aren't ready for the preview just yet," the online publication says.
Recently, leaked videos have surfaced which gives Windows users a glimpse of what Microsoft is doing to its desktop interface, albeit in its unpolished state. One video shows the return of the Windows 7's Start menu, but it's integrated with the tiles concept of Windows 8. Another video demonstrates the use of multiple virtual desktops, which is quite similar to Linux; and another one shows the new Notification Center. Furthermore, it is believed that personal assistant Cortana will be integrated into the new system.
There have also been speculations about what the company will call its new OS. While some are calling it Windows 9, a.k.a. Threshold or Windows 8.2, there are also speculations that Microsoft will simply call it Windows in conjunction with the company's aim to unify its desktop and handheld platforms.
These details, among other information, are expected (although not confirmed) to be part of the discussion at the Windows event on Sept. 30.
