14 DAY TRIAL // Screenshots showing a new Windows 9 build in action have reached the web this morning, providing us with a few more details about the next full operating system prepared by Microsoft.
Windows 9 build 9841 comes with minor improvements as compared to build 9834, which we could see in action thanks to a large collection of screenshots leaked a couple of weeks ago, but as WinSupersite notes, there are a few new things that haven’t been disclosed until now.
While it’s not yet clear whether this could be the Technical Preview version that everyone could get on September 30 or soon after that, it’s pretty clear that the Start menu, multiple desktops, and other minor improvements are very likely to be available to the public in the upcoming beta.
Microsoft hasn’t talked too much about the features that it plans to bring in Windows 9, but Cortana, Internet Explorer 12, Wi-Fi and Storage Sense are also said to be considered.
Resizable Start menu, same Windows Store
The Start menu that’s going to be included in Windows 9 will mix the classic layout available in Windows 7 with modern elements such as the live tiles, making it easier for beginners to adapt to the new interface.
The Start menu, however, is also said to come with options that would enable users to resize it, although it’s not yet clear how this is going to work. As we saw in previous leaks, the Start menu automatically expands as you add new apps and live tiles, but Microsoft might actually implement more customization settings and give users more control over this new feature.
It appears that the Windows Store is exactly the same as Windows 8.1, although some pointed out that Microsoft might actually come up with a different interface.
At the same time, OneDrive integration in Windows 9 is very similar to what we have right now in Windows 8.1, while File Explorer also sticks to the same design with a single exception. There’s now a Share button in the Share tab, that allows users to quickly share a select file with friends, but only using Modern apps such as Twitter and Facebook.
No charms on the desktop
The Charms bar has been removed from the desktop, but instead it’s now integrated into each modern app and only available for touch-capable devices.
Behavior is very similar to the one in Windows 8.1, but only on tablets, while PC users trying to launch the Charms bar using the old swiping trick can no longer access it.
Microsoft hopes that this way users could make the most of the desktop, while those with a touch-capable device could still benefit from the original Windows 8 features.
Windows 9 preview is set to be unveiled on September 30 during a press-only event, while the stable version of the operating system should see daylight in April next year.
