Microsoft has confirmed an already-rumored press event, believed to be the unveiling of its new "Windows 9" operating system, for Sept. 30.
Details on Microsoft's upcoming Windows OS, codenamed Threshold, were widely leaked for almost a year now, outlining some of the key features of the unannounced operating system. On Monday, the software giant dispatched invites for an upcoming media event in San Francisco, Sept 30, The Verge reported.
The "September 30 event" is not a complete surprise. Last month, a report by The Verge speculated the event to detail upcoming changes to Windows. ZDNet, in a separate report, also suggested Microsoft's plans to release a preview version of Windows sometime this month or early October.
The invites sent out to the press do not give any details of the event, but simply read, "Join us to hear about what's next for Windows and the enterprise." According to the report, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Operating Systems Group Joe Belfiore and Executive VP of Operating Systems Terry Myerson will lead the event, which will focus on enterprise and power users of Windows.
The confirmation of the event comes shortly after a pair of German tech sites leaked nearly two dozen screenshots of the technical preview of Windows 9. Microsoft is expected to release a technical preview of the OS at the event or soon after. The changes that will adorn the new OS will be shown during the introduction, which based on previous leaks will bring back the Start menu and add a virtual desktop feature, a notification center and more.
The final build of Windows 9 is expected to arrive sometime next year. The preview version that will be shown at the event is subject to changes in the UI among other upgrades.
