Now here is one rumor everyone can get behind! It comes from the most trusted of sources, regular Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley. And it offers some relishing news.
Work is underway on Windows 9, the next big version of its flagship operating system at Redmond.
Estimated released date is said to be early 2015 on PCs, tablets and smartphones, convergence and all. And while development is going according to plan, there are plenty of reports on what new features this upcoming OS brings, and what it will cost.
Now there is word that Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 users might be allowed to upgrade free of charge to Windows 9, with the idea being not only increasing the overall adoption of the operating system, but also lending the PC industry a hand.
At the same time it would help the company avoid the muddle of confusion that is getting users to upgrade to a new version of Windows. Windows XP retirement has been a saga enough.
Microsoft could release two different beta versions of the new operating system before launch, one of which might see the light of day this October or November, depending on the development progress.
As is the case with all other unofficial reports, file this as a rumor for now, until we hear some more concrete details. But analysts have been clamoring Microsoft to release its operating systems for free for years now, and it appears that we are fast approaching this reality.
source:eyeonwidows
