14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will present Windows 9 preview in action for the very first time today in a press-only event in San Francisco, while the build is expected to be released for download in just a few days for everyone interested to see what’s to come in the operating system.
The event won’t be streamed online, which is a bit surprising given the growing interest in Windows 9, but Microsoft has promised to publish all information on the new operating system in a detailed blog post when the event comes to an end.
Of course, a live stream would come in much handier to Windows enthusiasts around the world, but Microsoft most likely wants to keep the interest high until the beta comes out and more people give it a try by downloading the official bits.
No live stream, but still worth keeping an eye on the event
Even though you won’t be able to watch it online, here are the starting hours of the press event, depending on your time zone. We’ll be here covering the event with information that Microsoft shares on Windows 9.
10:00 AM - Pacific 11:00 AM - Mountain 12:00 PM - Central 1:00 PM - Eastern 5:00 PM - GMT 6:00 PM - London 7:00 PM - Paris 9:00 PM - Moscow 1:00 AM (October 1) - Hong Kong 2:00 AM (October 1) - Tokyo 3:00 AM (October 1) – Sydney
Expected news
First and foremost, Microsoft will most likely reveal that features that we’ve already seen in the testing builds that have reached the web lately, including the Start menu and multiple desktops.
Most of them will be present in Windows 9 preview from the very beginning, while others will be added to the builds as Microsoft completes their development.
The company has integrated a new update system in Windows 9, so large updates can be shipped to computers running it without the need for a clean install, thus making everything easier for both users and Microsoft itself.
Redmond is thus expected to give a demo of the new Windows 9 preview and show journalists the new options that will be offered as part of the final product. Still, do not expect the company to discuss pricing details or any other important things that are subject to change before the official unveiling.
Recent rumors have suggested that Windows 9 could be free for Windows 8.1 users and available as a $30 (€23) upgrade for Windows 7 users, but the company will most likely avoid to share such info at this point.