Cortana, Integrated to Windows 9
With the codename "Threshold", the new Windows platform is believed to become the desktop version of Cortana, which is currently available only for Windows Phone 8.1 as a personal assistant. There are also indications that Microsoft will preserve the Start menu for this platform, but only for devices that use mouse and keyboard.
What's more, Windows 9 is said to become the first operating system with a free version. This, however, only applies on ARM devices, which could also mean that they won't get the full desktop feature and users may just have the Metro UI as the primary workspace. Microsoft believes that this strategy should get their revenues higher while pushing the modern platform to more users.
In the Meantime for Windows 8.1
For now, Microsoft is in the process of pushing the second update for Windows 8.1, which is going to be due late August or early September. Although there are talks about having the third update, this too hasn't been confirmed.
Some analysts believe, though, that if Windows 8.1 is going to have a third, it's probably for two reasons. One, it is to bring more improvements and improve user experience using the Metro UI. Second, is perhaps to act as a precursor to Windows 9. This way, it allows the users to get a feel on what the next Windows platform is going to be. The third update for Windows 8.1 is rumored to come out early 2015. Although, there is no clear statement yet regarding the matter, it is still something to look forward to.
