Microsoft Windows 9 To Unveil Today At San Francisco Event, Release Date Expected Next Year, Free For Windows 8 Users, What About XP, Vista Or 7?
A number of reports have claimed that Microsoft Windows 9 is on its way and that it would be free for Windows 8 users - as a way of compensating for the laborious troubles that customers had to endure with Windows 8 and its recalled Update 1. Many Windows 8 customers are eagerly awaiting a rescue from their OS and Windows 9 will be unveiled at an invite-only special event in San Francisco.
In reports that surfaced this week, Indonesia's Microsoft president, Andreas Diantoro, confirmed on Detik.com (via BGR) that Windows 9 would be free for users of Windows 8. The Verge reported "Microsoft will deliver an early "Windows Technical Preview" in early October that will be updated regularly with new features for enterprise customers and enthusiasts to test ahead of a full launch next year. While Microsoft has been hinting at its future Windows naming, it's expected to announce the official name of the next version of Windows at its event."
The free brand new Windows OS is an attempt for Redmond St. execs to win back customers who may have given up on Micrsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and it is also a given for most platforms. Apple Inc. offers free upgrades for the iOS, while Android and OSX updates are also free. In marketing the Windows 9, the free upgrade is the bare minimum that offer to get its clients back into the Microsoft camp.
However, for some users questions like 'Will the upgrade be free for those on older versions Windows 7, XP or Vista? If Microsoft and CEO Nadella can convert all Windows users to jump on the Windows 9 bandwagon, that could entail a free upgrade, say analysts.
Though an official release date has not been announced, Windows 9 could come as early as next year, say reports. More information is expected to prop up at the September 30 Windows 9 event.
Watch out for updates to this story. At 1pm eastern, Microsoft will unveil Windows 9 and its name, previously code-named 'Threshold.' For a live blog to update this story, Visit Extreme Tech's update here; Unfortunately, Microsoft will not live stream the event.
