The official launch of Windows 9 is months away but leaked images of the experimental build of Microsoft's upcoming OS give a closer look at the software.
Microsoft, the world's largest software company, is secretly working on the next iteration of its Windows desktop operating system. It is expected to release the Technical Preview of the upcoming Windows 9 later this month or in October. But before that, a Microsoft Partner employee leaked 20 screenshots of the early Windows 9 version to give us a closer look at the software.
Obtained by German news sites, WinFuture and ComputerBase, these screenshots appear to be legit but will be subject to a lot of developmental changes till the official release. If these leaked shots are to be believed, the changes are subtle. The Taskbar is updated with a new Search button and a new workspace switcher appears right next to it, which will mostly be useful opening apps seamlessly with just a click.
The Windows 9 technical build also borrows Live Tiles feature from Windows Phone, integrated directly into the Windows menu. Overall look of the OS build is aesthetic, much in line with the Windows 8 version, pointed The Verge, after authenticating the screenshots as genuine.
However, the slight changes shown in the leaked screenshots will not be the final design of Windows 9. This is merely one of many versions Microsoft tests before pushing out the official one. The leaked photos are for the build version 9834, created on September 8, 2014, Slash Gear spotted.
The new leaked shots of Windows 9 add to the pile of previously leaked pictures. The pictures show closer resemblance to the previous images. It is also unclear if Microsoft will call its next OS version as Windows 9 but based on the company's numbering strategy, it is widely assumed so.
The Redmond-based tech giant is expected to start shipping its next Windows, codenamed "Threshold", in early 2015 alongside developments to the Xbox One platform. The report comes shortly after Microsoft confirmed upcoming changes in the branding of its Windows Phone platform, where Nokia will be dropped off the radar and Windows Phone will simply be called Windows.
