Report: Microsoft to Reveal Windows 9 on Sept. 30

Microsoft’s follow-up to Windows 8 could make its debut as early as next month, according to reports.

The Verge, citing unnamed sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans, reported today(Opens in a new window) that the software giant is gearing up to unveil the updated operating system at a special press event tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30. That information corroborates a recent ZDNet report(Opens in a new window) from veteran Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley claiming that Microsoft is planning to preview a new version of Windows by late September or early October.

Previous rumors indicated that the OS – codenamed Threshold but likely to be named Windows 9 – was being developed as part of Redmond’s “One Windows” strategy and slated for release in the first half of 2015.

For its part, Microsoft is keeping tight-lipped on the matter. The company has not made any public statements about the next version of Windows. When contacted by PCMag on Thursday, a Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment on the reports, saying “We have nothing to share.”

Meanwhile, recent rumors indicate that the successor to Windows 8 will reintroduce the Start menu and further chip away at differences between Redmond’s flagship PC platform and the software running the Xbox One and Windows phones. Other rumored changes include: Metro-Style applications on the desktop, virtual desktop functionality, and Cortana integration, according to ZDNet.

For more, check out PCMag’s review of Microsoft Windows 8.1 Update.