Good news in my book. One way or the other there's going to be an update.. New version of Windows(Win9) or another update to Win8.1. A "win, win" if I've ever seen one.

Sorry for the bad pun and the overused corporate slogan!

Jeff

z3r010 said:

It's only a re-branded Windows 8 with a start menu and a few other minor bits, I doubt it will need much testing.

Interesting. Now could it be possible to get Win9 out for the end of the year??

BunnyJ said:

Interesting. Now could it be possible to get Win9 out for the end of the year??

They way that M$ is talking there will be add on module updates. Presumable the core of the OS is pretty much the same as 8 but with some enhancements. The way I think it will go is these modules will contain add on features which may or may not be free. Media Center comes to mind. Maybe an Aero module or even Dream scene animated desktop or Bitlocker Modules. May be an Office DTP or Photoshop Modules. Systems enhanced for performing these tasks.
It is entirely possible the core OS could be really cheap or a free upgrade from XP and above and add ons to be chargeable and have their own product keys. Just like Window 7 from Home Basic up to Ultimate. There could even be a gamer module with enhancements to the OS for games maxing out performance. A Module for Virtual machines. You could possible have the lot and enable and disable them on a smart reboot back to a lower power mode running the CPU at slow speeds for surfing and listening to music. I see this as highly possible.
You could put the lightweight core OS on an old XP machine and have a super OS on your expensive current tower. The idea I think is to kill off any competition and monetize the systems with add on packs. The media pack say could have a tom of themes, wallpapers, sounds and the ability to play Blu Rays and DVD's. These would have to be fairly cheap and cover most PC's in the house. Now the Enterprise Version would most likely have none of the themse and distractions but need to be secure and encrypted and locked down in some cases.
Interesting times. I for one would definitely pay for some or all of the extras if they were things I liked and needed.