When we started this article we said that we thought Windows 9 would be free to consumers, although not to OEMs who purchase licences to put on PCs and laptops they sell. And this seems to be the case, before Microsoft has even announced the new OS.
According to Indonesian news site Detik, the president of Microsoft Indonesia, Andreas Diantoro, has confirmed that Windows 9 will be a free upgrade for all Windows 8 users.
The bigger question is whether this will stretch to Windows 7 and even Vista users or not. This would seem to make sense though as a way of getting as many users as possible onto the latest version of Windows.
Windows 9 release date
Until now (beginning of September), Microsoft has not mentioned Windows 9 by name but the image at the top of the article was posted by the firm's Chinese division on Weibo saying ""Microsoft’s latest OS Windows 9 is coming soon, do you think the start menu at the left bottom will make a come back?". It was quickly removed but cnBeta managed to grab it.
We expect Windows 9 to launch in PCs, laptops, tablets and phones that you can buy in April 2015 but Microsoft is likely to show it off - to some extent - on 30 September as it has now sent out invites to an event where it will outline 'what's next for Winodws and the enterprise'. Microsoft will reportedly show off a 'Windows Technical Preview' and we expect that availability for the Windows 9 beta will be announced.
Ok, Windows 9 hasn't been mentioned by name for the event - although it has now after Alain Crozier, president of Microsoft France, told employees that Windows 9 would be shown off at the event. This was spotted by ZDNet France which was told that actually, the next version of Windows doesn't have a name yet.
Even tho I'm definitely not upgrading from the get-go, this is good new. I'll be waiting for some inevitable updates and overall reception before making the decision.
Can't wait to upgrade my PC. Nothing could be worse than Windows 8. Even Vista was better than that.
