Windows 'Threshold' tech preview around late September

Microsoft is aiming to deliver a "technology preview" of its Windows "Threshold" operating system by late September or early October, according to multiple sources of mine who asked not to be named.

And in a move that signals where Microsoft is heading on the "servicability" front, those who install the tech preview will need to agree to have subsequent monthly updates to it pushed to them automatically, sources added.

Threshold is the next major version of Windows that is expected to be christened "Windows 9" when it is made available in the spring of 2015. Threshold is expected to include a number of new features that are aimed at continuing to improve Windows' usability on non-touch devices and by those using mice and keyboards alongside touch.

Update: One of my contacts who has provided accurate information on Windows in the past said the Threshold tech preview will be public and available to all those interested.

Read more at: Microsoft to deliver Windows 'Threshold' tech preview around late September | ZDNet

 

[alphanumeric]

Once you launch the program your in its interface so I wouldn't think that would change much. Games for example. The Desktop side of Windows may change though. Control Panel, Device Manager, Explorer may look identical to an open Metro App and have the same title bar options. At the moment it looks like Metro is moving towards looking more like desktop programs. They added a Title Bar and taskbar, and the Charms bar functions may be moved to the Title Bar. I few here would say better that way than the other way.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Correct me if I'm wrong > The Desktop and the Modern/Metro are two different UIs that work off the kernel as top most layers. Never the twain shall meet except that they got the Desktop app/portal (not realistically an app, but treated as one) to run on the Modern/Metro screen for snapping purposes. Snapping was introduced in Windows 7: Arrange windows side by side on the desktop using Snap

Touch was also introduced in 7: Windows Touch - Microsoft Windows

I think they took those two features further to create the Modern/Metro UI. The scale is larger in proportion to the human finger for ease of touch use.

Here's the Desktop snapped next to a Store app:



Then the Store app closed and the Desktop snapped to 1/3. What it’s sitting on is the new Modern/Metro UI screen or the new Desktop.



And a bare Modern/Metro Desktop when I had a darker colored theme:



Yes, they added the slide-down app bar to make it more appealing to the OSosaurs. I think now that they did that, they may as well place the Charms bar items on it and remove the Charms bar as we see it now. It’s still a Charms bar any which way. Just in a different "familiar" place.

 

[lehnerus2000]

"Our desktop"? Excuse me, but perhaps you're not understanding the UELA. You/We do not own the software/OS that contains the legacy Win32 desktop UI. We purchase a license to use the software. MS at any time may omit the legacy Win32 desktop UI within future editions, even on existing OSs via an update if you choose to download and install such an update, for in the UELA you/we agree to that also. I don't think they'll do that, but the way I read it it is legally possible.

On the other hand, I would think that you as a Canadian citizen (assuming you are one) have every right not to install such an update and/or purchase a license for any future OS that excludes any item, configuration settings, UI, features, or what have you that you may enjoy to use.

You can hold on to and run any OS for a lifetime. The UELAs last a lifetime so far as I can see. I’m sure there are some that continue to run DOS. The only drawback is that they eventually aren't supported.

"I've got my disks right here and I'll use them as I see fit."

That is why software companies are pushing the "Cloud" so hard.
No doubt if a "Cloud OS" appears, the EULA will state that you can be cutoff whenever the company sees fit, for whatever reason they can manufacture.

EULAs (and copyright) should be automatically voided the instant the company refuses to sell the related product (at the final standard retail price).

Perhaps I should use Sevenosaurus Rex, Vistaosaurus Rex, or Xposaurus Rex to be more specific? How about Megaiwillnotchangeodon? PriorOSodon? XPatops?

Another observation I’ve made with these species is that they attack in groups. It’s an efficient means of survival. They’ll be around for a while, but I think will eventually become extinct.

I suspect that "Sevenosaurus Rex" (and possibly even "Xposaurus Rex") will outlast "Eightosaurus Rex" (based on current desktop market trends).

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Hmmm. Did I just see a Linuxatops run through here?