Leaked Windows 9 screenshots reveal early version of Cortana for PC

Microsoft is busy preparing the release of its “Windows Technical Preview,” but thanks to leaked screenshots and videos we’re getting an early look at some of the features the company is working on. Alongside virtual desktops, a new Start menu, and a Notification Center, Microsoft is also bringing its Cortana digital assistant to what will likely become Windows 9. German site WinFuture has published a series of screenshots showing a very early version of Cortana in the Windows Technical Preview.

It appears reminders with location, time, and people information are supported in the Technical Preview, although the interface is clearly early. It’s likely that Microsoft will seek to combine the Cortana for Windows functionality with its new search button that has been placed on the taskbar. We understand that Cortana functionality will not be fully functional in the Windows Technical Preview as Microsoft is still working on its implementation. Microsoft is planning to update the Technical Preview regularly, so Cortana will likely debut later once it’s ready to test fully.

Original post: http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/15/6152245/windows-9-cortana-screenshots-feature

Windows 9's new Start menu demonstrated on video

Microsoft may have demonstrated its new Start menu earlier this year, but thanks to a recent "Windows 9" leak we’re now seeing every single part of the company’s plans for bringing back this popular feature. German site WinFuture has posted a two-minute video that demonstrates how the Start menu works in the next major release of Windows. As you’d expect, it’s very similar to what Microsoft demonstrated with traditional apps mixing with modern apps (and their Live Tiles) into a familiar Start menu. The account options have been placed at the top of the Start menu for now, allowing you to lock and sign out of a machine, while shutdown and restart options can be access by a visible button alongside the account section. The new Start menu consists of two sections: one for a list of traditional apps in the familiar left pane, and a new section on the right that consists mainly of modern apps with Live Tiles. However, the right section can collapse to make way for Start menu users to dig into File Explorer, otherwise it appears to work just like the Windows 7 menu with options to pin apps and browse through a list of all apps.

Once more and more apps are pinned to the Start menu, it expands automatically and there are options to resize Tiles in a way that’s identical to the regular Start screen in Windows 8. While this new Start menu clearly isn’t designed for tablet users, there appears to be an option to "use the Start menu instead of the Start screen" for those with mouse and keyboard users. That will likely be enabled by default, and Microsoft may even remove the fullscreen Start screen altogether for desktop users in favor of a Start menu that expands.

Original post: http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/12/6139255/windows-9-video-demo-features-start-menu

Microsoft just teased Windows 9 by mistake

Microsoft hasn't officially discussed Windows 9 yet, but its Chinese division is keen to get people talking about the upcoming OS. In a Weibo posting today, Microsoft China asked "Microsoft’s latest OS Windows 9 is coming soon, do you think the start menu at the left bottom will make a come back?" A Windows 9 logo, mocked up as a wallpaper earlier this year, accompanied the post before it was quickly removed, and Chinese site Cnbeta spotted it. It was clearly a mistake, but the wording suggests Windows 9 is indeed "coming soon."

Microsoft is currently aiming to hold a press event to introduce Windows 9, currently known as Windows Threshold, on September 30th. This date may change, but a Technology Preview of the operating system will be distributed to developers and enterprise users in late September or early October. The early Technology Preview should provide a first look at the new mini Start Menu, the removal of the Charms bar feature, and several UI changes to the way the desktop operates with Windows 8-style applications. Future versions are expected to include a version of Cortana, alongside other new features that Microsoft is working to complete ready for release in spring next year.

Update 7AM ET: article updated to confirm the Windows 9 logo that Microsoft used is simply a mockup.

Original post found here:  http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/2/6096207/windows-9-microsoft-china-teaser