The Windows 10 (previously known as Windows 9) Technical Preview has now been released for laptop and desktop users, with the server version due to follow shortly.

This technical preview is very much aimed at developers to experience before the OS's general release, and is heavily geared towards enterprise customers in terms of its various new and updated features.

Earlier this week, Beta News flagged a page on the Microsoft website with download links to both the 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Technical Preview for Enterprise, so one presumes this will be the place to go to get hold of a copy tomorrow. At the time of writing, the links included on the page were not live.

A statement on the page reads: "The next version of the Windows client operating system will enable IT professionals to provide users with a familiar experience across multiple devices while enhancing security and manageability. It will also offer new and improved features that enable businesses to: Defend against modern security threats, Elevate employee productivity, Embrace the mobile and cloud era, Enable upgrade without upheaval."

Some additional details were revealed, however, and we now know that the next iterations of Windows will be 3.16GB and 4.10GB respectively.

It has also been rumoured that Windows 10 may be available for free to existing Windows 8.1 users in an effort to coax people into upgrading and avoid the ongoing problems Microsoft has had with getting people to move off Windows XP.

However, Microsoft refused to be drawn on how it plans to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 10 during a Q&A at the launch event in San Francisco on 30 September, and kept schtum about how much it could potentially cost.

Windows 8 has had plenty of detractors since it arrived back in 2012, with the unpopular disappearance of the start button and Metro menu view confusing users at best and alienating them at worst.

Microsoft shared some details about the enterprise-friendly features Windows 10 will sport, as it strives to distance itself from the previous OS, which is widely considered to have been a disaster.

At the time of writing, Microsoft was offering a "later in 2015" release date for the operating system, and has promised to shed more light on how consumers will benefit from the new-look Windows at next year's Build conference in April.

On the new Preview programme also launching today, Terry Myerson said: "We have never done this before. We'll be using a variety of tools: like survey tools on features. There'll be forums for insiders and engineering will take part in these. We're going to learn too how to run a programme like this. We're jumping off before we have all the answers."

In light of the new features Microsoft showcased at the event, here's our list of features we were hoping the software giant would include, and what we're most looking forward to in Windows 10.

1. Lower price

Microsoft needs a carrot to dangle in front of consumers and businesses to convince them to invest in Windows 10 machines. The firm might even have to go so far as to offer users the chance to upgrade to the next-iteration of Windows for free.

Reducing the cost of upgrading will help people finally part with Windows XP - the aged operating system that entered end of life in April 2014.

Microsoft's updates have long been priced higher than Apple's, and this is yet another factor deterring consumers from upgrading.

If the rumours that Windows 10 will be offered to Windows 8.1 users for free turn out to be true, then this should encourage many people to upgrade more quickly. Windows 8 users could also be offering the new OS at a discounted price, and those still using XP may be offered additional incentives to switch.

2. Better Battery Life

Intel's 2013 Haswell chips provided a big jump in battery life, which can be seen in the latest crop of Ultrabooks. Windows machines have long been known to burn through battery power quicker than their Mac OS X counterparts.

Ars Technica gave a detailed breakdown of how OS X Mavericks saves power. The system schedules tasks to run in clumps to maximise processor idle time and minimise power consumption. The latest version of Apple's OS was so efficient, it even added an extra 60 minutes of battery life to older hardware which upgraded to this operating system.

Microsoft needs to better implement power-saving features into Windows 10 or risk being left further behind next-gen Mac products.

3. Universal apps

Microsoft has been vocal about wanting to create a more unified experience across PCs, phones, tablets and its other platforms, and Windows 10 indeed looks set to take this concept a step further.

For example, it was announced that Windows apps will run in a traditional-style desktop window on the new OS, rather than taking over the entire screen as had been the case with Windows 8. This gives the apps more of a place for users who wish only to use the desktop.

The idea of universal apps will indeed unify Windows 10 across all of Microsoft's devices, which could in turn make the OS more inviting to developers who had previously opted for iOS and Android instead.

The move could even put Microsoft ahead of Apple, as iOS and Mac OS still requires developers to build separate apps for both.

This was first reported along with Microsoft's fourth quarter 2014 results, when the firm's CEO Satya Nadella announced a renewed focus on devices in general.

He said: "We will streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes. We will unify our stores, commerce and developer platforms to drive a more coherent user experience and a broader developer opportunity.

"In the past we had multiple teams working on difference versions of Windows," he added. "Now we have one team with a common architecture. This allows us to scale, create universal Windows Apps."

4. Downplayed Metro UI

The Metro UI has alienated many loyal Windows users and the firm is going to have to work hard to appease them. Windows 8.1 went some way towards making things better with the option to boot straight to desktop.

The option to switch Metro off entirely, for example, would be very welcome for many users. This would mean that when you turn on the desktop-only mode, images should open in Windows Gallery instead of the Metro Preview app.

With Windows 10 mobile devices, it had previously been reported that Microsoft was planning to ditch the desktop entirely, and additional rumours suggested that PCs running the OS may be sold with the Metro view disabled as a default.

Desktop-only mode would let users work in peace and placate some of Microsoft's critics, while allowing the company to keep experimenting with Metro for consumers.

The Charms bar - another unpopular element of Windows 8's redesign - was also rumoured to have been dropped, with the search, share, devices and settings options previously housed there moving to new title bars on modern Windows 10 apps, but that appears not to be the case.

Instead, a different version of the Charms bar will appear as part of the new operating system, though specific details are thin on the ground.

At Microsoft's event, Joe Belfiore said: "The way we're going to evolve this touch UI, I expect the Charms bar to change."

5. Virtual desktops and Task View

OS X and Linux have had virtual desktops for years. They allow you to keep multiple sets of windows open on one computer, to improve productivity when juggling multiple projects.

Microsoft has announced that virtual desktops will indeed be part of Windows 10, allowing users to enjoy multiple desktop displays with individual settings, making it easier to separate work and home activities on the same device.

Another feature aimed at improving productivity is Task View, which has been introduced to show the user which apps are currently running on their system, thus allowing them to more easily organise activity and multi-task more efficiently.

6. The return of the real Start button

It's amazing how so many people can miss such a small feature. Microsoft gave into popular demand when it put a Start button in Windows 8.1, but this just brings you back to the Start screen.

As demonstrated at Microsoft's event, we will indeed see the real start button return with Windows 10, and it is described by Microsoft as an "expanded" version of the Windows 7 start menu "experience" with no necessary learning curve.

Previous reports that the new-look Start Menu would include both the classic layout of previous iterations and a new Metro panel with live tiles for Windows Store apps turned out to be more or less correct. Users can also drag programs between the two columns, depending on whether they want it to display as a live tile or a traditional shortcut.

The search function of the Start menu will now also search the web for results in addition to the contents of the PC or device, and the menu will sport a power button (which had been very confusingly relocated on Windows 8.)

It had been rumoured for some time the Start Button would return with Windows 8.1 Update 2, but it then emerged that the feature would likely be delayed until the full release of Windows 9 (now revealed to be called Windows 10) the following year.

7. Over-the-air system recovery

Microsoft could also make it easier to restore Windows in the event of a malfunction. Mac devices can reinstall OS X by simply downloading files from the internet.

A similar system would make it easier to recover Windows computers, as it is much simpler than digging through BIOS boot settings and trying to find your recovery USB.

Keeping so many system-specific files would be difficult, but it's possible. Microsoft could convince hardware manufacturers to contribute the necessary files so users could recover their systems over-the-air.

8. Better display scaling

Windows has not been able to cope with the high-resolution devices manufacturers have started pumping out. As screen resolutions climb north of 1920 x 1080, programs such as Adobe Premiere and Vegas Pro can be rendered unusable in some cases as icons can appear tiny and pixellated.

Howtogeek put up a useful guide explaining how to change the compatibility settings for troublesome Windows apps in order to make the text readable again, but this shouldn't even be necessary.

Microsoft needs to add better support for Retina-quality displays to make sure the new version of its OS still looks good on devices like the Surface Pro 3.

9. Improved security

Windows is a primary target for viruses, if only by virtue of its dominant market share. Redmond's OS attracts the lion's share of malware, while OS X and Linux aren't as vulnerable.

Microsoft releases regular security patches and has built Microsoft Security Essentials into Windows 8 - but this has been critically panned. In Dennis Publishing tests, it missed 39 per cent of malware thrown at it.

In a blog post detailing the improvements in Windows 10 for business users, Microsoft has highlighted security advancements, claiming that the OS has beefed up "resistance to breach, theft or phishing."

Windows 10 promises to provide additional protection through the use of containers and data separation for application and files. This means that sensitive data inherent to many businesses' use of Windows will be protected even after it is transferred away from the device (such as a tablet, USB drive or the cloud).

We might see things improve with Windows 10 as Intel has rebranded the McAfee software suite and could provide comprehensive protection. But Microsoft has to up its game too.

10. Fixed Windows Update

Updating Windows software has driven many people to the brink of insanity. If ignored for too long, Windows may reboot your PC at the worst moment possible and then you can be trapped in what seems like a never-ending cycle of updating and rebooting.

Refreshing drivers is the same. PC users shouldn't have to dig through a manufacturer's website in 2014, looking for the latest version of a driver for their laptop's graphics card.

Windows 10 thankfully looks to be making moves to rectify these problems with Windows 10, with single click updates rumoured to be introduced. The feature is a part of the Windows 10 Technical Preview, which makes its inclusion in the final operating system likely though not confirmed.

This would finally make Windows updates more efficient and less annoying to apply, thus encouraging users to keep their operating system up to date.

This article was first published on 29/01/14 and has been updated multiple times (most recently on 01/10/14) to reflect new information that has become available since its original publication.

Windows 10 has been unveiled at a Microsoft event in San Francisco.

Our roving reporter is in the room where all the magic will happen right now, ready, willing and able to bring you the news as it happens. Stay tuned!

Because we were too enthusiastic in our tweeting, Twitter has very unhelpfully blocked us because it thinks we're a robot. So follow our live updates below now instead. Thanks for bearing with us while we worked through the tech issues!

20:26According to a just-published (or just accessible given the demand) Microsoft blog,Windows 10 will be "our greatest platform ever for organizations and their employees." That's a pretty big statement to make to enterprise users. Can MS deliver?

Jim Alkove, Windows enterprise program management team lead, said: "There are several reasons that business customers in particular should take notice of Windows 10. It's not just morefamiliarfrom a user experience standpoint. We have built so much of what businesses need right into the core of this product including enterprise-gradesecurity, identity and information protectionfeatures, reducing complexity and providing a better experience for the modern needs of business.

"We'vesimplified management and deploymentto help lower costs, including in-place upgrades from Windows 7 or 8 that are focused on making device wipe-and-reload scenarios obsolete. We're also providing businesses withmore choicein how quickly they adopt the latest innovations, and are delivering continued improvements based on customer feedback."

20:09Wow, just wow. As a 2013 April Fool's gag,Infoworld suggested the next-gen Windows OS would be called Windows 10.

19:59Microsoft's press materials have finally made it through the web security guards. We were worried they weren't on the 'list' for a while. Here's what Terry Myerson had to say: "Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect.

"This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers, and we look forward to working together with our broader Windows community to bring Windows 10 to life in the months ahead."

To recap on new features available in the TP version of Windows 10:

• Expanded Startmenu
• Appsthatrun in a window
• Snap enhancements
• NewTaskview button
• Multipledesktops

And, while Microsoft hasn't confirmed any details about pricing, it did say that Windows 10 management and deployment would be much easier and simplified in order to help lower overall costs.

19:02 And it's all over. That hour has gone so quickly. In Oscar speech-style, we'd like to thank Twitter et al for all their support. Oh, wait no...

18:59

When asked just how much life is in Windows 10 (how rude, it's not even been born yet!), MS talked up its mission-critical support and suggested there's at least 10 years (10, geddit?!) of life in the old, sorry new, OS yet.

18:58

When asked about Apple (and Google) vs Microsoft in the enterprise space, MS responded that Windows 10 is its "effort to respond." It says it wants to build the best product possible to delight customers. Although will it be enough to get loyal Mac OS fans to defect?

18:57

Windows 10 will be designed to support apps already out there on the Windows Marketplace.

18:55

When asked whether MS can build something that has what both consumers and businesses will want, the answer was a bit awkward. No details of how it will be released to these two audiences, as yet, according to Microsoft.

18:50 Apparently those using Windows 8 on touch devices are more satisfied than those using Windows 8. However, those using Windows 7 with a mouse are happier than those using the same input with Windows 8. Go figure. Certainly leaves opportunity for user satisfaction improvements...

18:43OK, post Build conference next year. Build was in April this year, but when exactly is it next year? Why so vague MS?!

18:42Windows 10 will ship later in 2015. Come on Microsoft, be more specific!

18:40Microsoft has promised it is building a product customers will LOVE. Users will most definitely be the judge of that.Though MS has said user feedback will be key to achieving this. Fair play.

18:39 Windows Insider Program launches tomorrow, 1st October for testing by developers (and other interested parties perhaps pretending to be developers) and to keep them abreast with all the Windows 10 development news in the run-up to release.

18:35Windows 10 will provide a task view when you swipe left to right. This all sounds a bit familiar. Old school, even?

18:33

Windows Charm bar makes the cut. Phew!

18:32Microsoft claims it is trying to cater for both Windows 7 users and Windows 8 users who like the familiarity of the OS and the touch UI. It claims Windows 10 will cater to both sets.

18:30

You can now copy and paste directly into the

Command Prompt. For those who want to do that kind of thing.

18:28From what's being demoed it looks like this OS has productivity, productivity, productivity front of mind. This should please users and businesses alike.

18:27The new Snap Assist feature will let users grab apps from more than one desktop. This should please those who need to multi-task (which seems to be the new norm).

18:14

18:13What's more, Microsoft promises Windows 10 will be compatiable with all the systems and tools enterprises are already used to working with.

18:12Businesses need to start looking at Windows and what it can do from them early on (from an evaluation standpoint) so Microsoft is planning on starting those discussions today.

18:11According to TerryMyerson, Microsoft's head of OS, it wouldn't be right to call the new OS Windows 9. Other than frustrating a load of industry watchers, we're unsure as yet just why that is.He also saidthe new OS will work on the broadest range of devices to date, and will be enterprised-focused.

He also described it as Microsoft's most comprehenisve "platform" to date. So, could Microsoft be hinting that Windows 10 will, as many have suggested work across PCs, tablets and smartphones? Time will tell... and hopefully we will know before the end of the next hour!

18:09We're having a few technical issues with our integrated Twitter feed (words will be had!), but the news so far is it looks like we all have egg on our faces in terms of the new OS being called Windows 9. Windows 10, anyone? Either that or it's an elaborate joke by the software giant...

Check out our thoughts about what Microsoft's next-generation OS should include as features: Windows 10 - 10 features we want to see

Invitations for Microsoft's September 30 event, during which the company will unveil Windows 9, have been sent out, and a recent spate of leaked videos have unveiled further details of what we can expect from the OS.

The videos come from WinFuture.deshow off several features set to be a part of the next iteration of Windows, such as the new Notification Centre, virtual desktops and the returning Start Menu.

The clips show these things in action, and confirm a lot of previous rumours about how the operating system may look and function.

Screenshots of the Windows 9 Technical Preview desktop previously surfaced online.

The images come from Computer Base and WinFuture.de, and claim to show what Windows 9, codenamed Windows Threshold, might look like when it is released to developers.

It has been widely reported that Windows 9 will attempt to merge aspects of Windows 7 and the much-maligned Windows 8, especially when it comes to the start menu, and the leaked screenshots appear to support this theory.

The decision to bring back some much-missed features will manifest itself in a classic-style Start Menu with integrated apps from the modern UI that were introduced with Windows 8.

The charms bar was also said to have been scrapped, and these images demonstrate how Microsoft may have compensated for this. In the top left-hand corner of Windows there is now a button that brings up the different options (i.e. search, share, play, settings etc.), though it appears users will still be able to bring up the charms bar if they wish.

Users can also choose to view windows in full screen mode, as per Windows 8.

The rumours pointing towards the presence of multiple desktops also appear to have been correct, with the screenshots showing a button that's function is to switch between these Workspaces' each with their own layout and collection of apps.

The notifications centre, which is where users will be able to view alerts from various apps, is also present.

The operating system is thought to be set for a 30September developer launch, becoming widely available to users in early 2015.

The notification centre set to be a part of Windows 9 is reportedly present on some builds of the operating system, with features and design details leading to speculation.

The report comes from NeoWin, who claim the feature is up and working on some later builds of Windows 9.

According to the site, the notification centre appears and operates as expected, hosting alerts in much the same way as that on the Windows Phone.

It is reportedly set to launch from the system tray, with notifications grouped according to which app they come from. The alerts appear in a fixed-size window that pops up in the centre of the screen, with a white background and sleek design.

Users will either be able to clear notifications individually, or with a single click if preferred, report tabtec. Advanced options and specifications are nonexistent as it stands, with the feature currently appearing to be very basic. This will likely evolve in time.

This is an update to Windows Threshold that will likely prove popular, and our first real look at it will probably come as part of the Technical Preview for the OS following Microsoft's press event on 30 September.

Last week, Microsoft China accidently leaked a Windows 9 announcement, with many of the rumoured details of the OS apparently confirmed. This includes the return of the start menu and the official name for the next generation of Windows.

Since then, however, it has been speculated that Windows 9 will drop the number and simply go by the name Windows'.

Microsoft is getting ready to unveil its latest operating system with the Windows Threshold preview set for September 30 and, despite a recent leak apparently confirming its name as Windows 9, new reports are suggesting this isn't quite the case.

The new OS could simply be called Windows', according to Value Walk, which fits with the general consensus that Microsoft is planning to focus on regular updates for Threshold, rather than getting ready to launch Windows 10 some time afterwards.

Evidence of the move comes from a new advertisement for the Lumia 930, which refers to the new OS as Windows, rather than Windows 9 or as it was previously known Windows Threshold.

Additionally, ads for the Lumia 830, Lumia 730, Lumia 530 and HTC One M8 all refrain from mentioning the term Windows Phone.

The official name of Windows Threshold was thought to have been confirmed by an accidental leak from Microsoft China last week, in which they wrote: "Microsoft's latest OS Windows 9 is coming soon, do you think the start menu at the left bottom will make a comeback?"

These new rumours, however, make sense when considering how eager Microsoft has been to unify the various UIs of desktop, mobile and tablet versions of Windows.

Definite details about the next iteration of Windows have been kept firmly under wraps, but rumours have suggested that we can look forward to the return of the start menu as well as different interfaces for desktop and mobile versions of the OS.

No one would argue that the two most maligned operating systems ever to be released by Microsoft are Windows Vista and Windows 8, but it might surprise some to know that Vista was actually more popular in its heyday than Windows 8 is now.

As it stands in September 2014, according to stats available from NetMarketShare, Windows 7 is still the most popular OS with 51.21 per cent worldwide market share, followed by Windows XP in second position at 23.89 per cent.

This leaves Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows Vista to make up the rest of Microsoft's share (Windows 2000 and Windows NT also make up 0.09 per cent).

The combined share of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 stands at 13.37 per cent for September, with Windows Vista falling to 3.02 per cent, behind Apple's top offering, the Mac OS X 10.9. Windows 8.1 is just about topping its immediate predecessor.

When Vista was released in 2007, it must be noted Microsoft accounted for a higher percentage of the PCs used, at the same point in its lifespan as we are currently in for Windows 8, Vista enjoyed a larger percentage of users at 14.3 per cent.

This brings to light a smaller yet still significant problem for Microsoft, with previous concerns centring on the continued prominence of Windows 7 over the company's newer operating systems. The silver lining is that August 2014 saw Windows 7's share stick at 51.2 per cent, staying in place for the first time in months.

But Windows XP is also still clinging on, despite a steady decline as users opt for operating systems that still enjoy Microsoft support. Its second place position is not a good indication of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1's success, with the next iteration just around the corner.

Windows 9 is expected to be announced at an event on 30 September, with a technical preview launched in early October.

Early rumours and leaks indicate the operating system will attempt to correct some of the less popular features of Windows 8, such as the removal of the start menu and the tablet-geared Metro UI which is considered unfriendly to desktop users.

The wait for Windows 9 is expected to be over at the end of September at Microsoft's preview event, and some more details about the operating system's Tech Preview have started to emerge.

According to The Verge (via WinBeta), the Windows Technology Preview will receive two updates a month, with users able to upgrade to more recent builds with Threshold. These updates will add to the stability of the operating system and regularly add new features.

Microsoft will reportedly be choosing two builds a month to release to the public. Users can upgrade to the new builds from Windows Update, which streamlines the whole process down to one click.

It has not been confirmed that this will be a part of the public preview, but it seems likely. It is a feature of internal builds of Windows 9 Threshold.

Leaked features such as live interactive tiles and more could thus be pushed back and saved for a later update, and will be able to be installed with this new upgrade method.

Though little about Windows 9 has been confirmed by Microsoft, rumours have suggested the operating system will attempt to rectify some of the missteps made with Windows 8.

The start button is set for a return, for example, and the company is said to be trying out virtual desktops.

The Charms bar is also being scrapped, and the Metro interface is to be integrated into the classic start menu rather than operating as a separate full-screen view.

Microsoft is reportedly planning to offer incentives for existing users of its OS to upgrade to Windows 9, the software giant's next-generation operating system that looks set to debut on 30 September.

This news comes courtesy of well-known leaker WZOR, reportedMyce, who has claimed that Windows 8.1 users will be offered the upgrade to Windows 9 for free, while those currently working with a retail or OEM version of Windows 8 could get it for a heavily discounted price ($20 in the US).

Microsoft also has plans in place to get rid of its ongoing Windows XP problem, by offering Windows 9 upgrade incentives to those still using the aged OS, it is claimed.

The company ended support for the older operating system earlier this year, but many are still holding on tight.

Microsoft clearly wants people on board with the new operating system as quickly as possible, and is willing to give it away for free to achieve this.

WZOR has become well known for offering reliable sneak peeks at Microsoft products ahead of their release, so there's plenty of reason to believe this latest leak may be accurate. There's also the fact that Windows 8.1 was previously made free for Windows 8 users to upgrade to.

The report also revealed that Microsoft isn't releasing a test version of Windows 9 Pro OEM, with a Windows 9 Enterprise technical preview already out there.

A developer preview event taking place on 30 September is widely thought to be where Microsoft will launch the new operating system, with pricing and features confirmed.

New leaks from Winbeta regarding Windows 9 (or Threshold) have teased the possible introduction of interactive live tiles and a centralised notification system.

Microsoft's latest operating system, set to be released in late September, has been rumoured to feature live tiles that allow the user to interact with apps without opening them fully. This has already been glimpsed on the new-look start menu for Windows 9.

Leaked screenshots show the freshly reintroduced start menu with two columns instead of the traditional single column set-up, with the right-hand side of the menu sporting the live tiles and apps. This marks the first time since Windows 7 that the classic start menu has been included in a Microsoft operating system, though with some improvements.

It hasn't been confirmed when users can expect the return of the start button, but it is strongly believed that they will have to wait for the next big Windows release, rather than one of the various Windows 8.1 updates.

A new notification centre could also be included with Threshold, according to The Verge, which will be similar to the Action Centre on various versions of Windows Phone.

This is yet another step towards integrating certain features across both Windows PCs and Windows phones and tablets.

Apple is also set to introduce similar features with the upcoming iOS 8 update, with 'actionable widgets' making it much easier for users to interact with apps and respond to notifications. This will be included on the iPhone 6 when it is released later in the year.

The second update for Windows 8.1 is reportedly set for release on 12 August, which will be the same date as next month's Microsoft Patch Tuesday.

The claim was made on Russian site PCPortal.org.ru and, while this has yet to be officially confirmed, it fits in with the previously predicted release date of either August or September.

The second update to Windows 8.1 was announced at the Microsoft annual WPC event in July, where it was revealed that it would be available for free to Windows users with Update 1 already installed, and for a low price to those running an earlier version of the operating system. It will also come pre-installed on computers following its initial release.

Those eagerly awaiting the teased return of the Start Button will most likely have to wait until Windows 9 arrives in 2015, but it could yet be included with Windows 8.1 Update 3.

A recently revealed third update to Windows 8.1 has pushed the release date of Windows' next big iteration back from spring 2015 to sometime in June, with rumours around this being the result of decisions from the Chinese government to ban Windows 8 on government computers also circulating.

Microsoft has been experiencing significant problems with leaks of test builds for Windows lately, leading them to make many internal changes such as restricting access to servers and individually assembled test builds further to help identify the source.

Although Update 2 will reportedly be arriving next month, not much is currently known about it at this time, yet both Update 2 and 3 are expected to address many of the problems users have had with Windows 8.1 since its release.

Reports suggest that Windows 9 Enterprise could offer users the ability to disable the OS' Metro interface for the first time, and cloud integration would be removed from the eventual release of Windows 9.

Microsoft is rumoured to be removing the desktop mode from Windows 9 for mobile devices, while PCs running the operating system could be sold with the Metro view disabled.

A lot of talk around Windows 9 has centred on the return of the classic Start Button, taking a step back from the unpopular Metro menu introduced with Windows 8.

Rumours suggest the live tile view will even be disabled by default, though the apps will still be available to users.

For phones and tablets running Windows 9, however, it is rumoured the traditional desktop could disappear completely with the next iteration.

Hybrid systems will offer both modes, and which one displays will depend on whether the keyboard is attached.

Windows 9, or "Threshold", is expected to arrive sometime in 2015, with Windows 8.1 Update 2's release imminent and Update 3 set for April next year.

This third update could delay the release of Windows 9, with the rumoured launch date moving from April to June 2015.

The troubled launch of Windows 8, the first to move away from the traditional desktop and Start Menu, has served to put many people off of Microsoft's operating system, and Windows 9's reinstatement of these features is likely to pique the interest of hesitant late adopters.

Microsoft has confirmed the first major Windows 8.1 update will drop in the Spring, with user interface improvements high on the agenda.

While rumours about a possible 2015 release date for Windows 9 have done the rounds, reports that an interim update to Windows 8.1 could be in the offing have also surfaced.

Until now these have been unconfirmed by Microsoft, but the company has now announced that Windows 8.1 Update 1, as it has been dubbed, will drop in the Spring.

No precise release date information has been announced for the software update. However, with company's Build Developer's Conference taking place in April, the company may be planning to drop it then.

Guest editor's thoughts

"I think Microsoft is desperately trying all it can to back pedal on its vision that every device would end up with a touch interface. This release seems to be doing it all can to regain the confidence of consumers before it completely alienates all keyboard and mouse users."

Brendon Petsch, IT director, Gritit

follow-up blog post

In it, Joe Belfiore, corporate vice president of Microsoft Windows Phone, revealed the Windows 8.1 user interface will be tweaked to make the OS easier to use for keyboard and mouse users.

"We have a number of targeted UI improvements that keep our highly satisfying touch experience intact, but that make the UI more familiar and convenient for users with mouse/keyboard," he wrote.

"Don't worry, we still love and believe in touch, but you'll like how much more smooth and convenient these changes make mouse and keyboard use," he added.

The update will also help the firm's OEM partners make lower cost hardware, said Belfiore, and provide enterprise users with improved support options.

"We are enhancing support for enterprise customers via a few tweaks, particularly including features that greatly improve IE8 compatibility in Internet Explorer 11, which is especially critical for web-based line of business applications," he said.

"Additionally, we're extending mobile device management capabilities and making deployment easier."

As the sun sets on another week in the tech world, we take a look back over the stories that have riled our readers and got them talking.

Popular topics of discussion this week have included the prospect of Windows 9, Lloyds Banking Group's IT problems and last Friday's Gmail outage.

Windows 9 whines

Given the lacklustre response Windows 8.x has had from business users, IT Pro has compile a list of features we'd like to see included on the next iteration of the Microsoft operating system.

Our must-haves for Windows 9 include a low-price, better battery life and access to a desktop-only mode, and the IT Pro community hasn't been shy in suggesting a few enhancements of their own.

"How about renaming Windows 7 to Windows 9," suggested Snake Plissken.

"After using Windows 8 for a year, going back to Windows 7 would be the most exciting upgrade since the introduction of Windows 95."

Jake, however, said he hopes Microsoft doesn't tamper too much with the operating system's search capabilities, which he cites as a standout feature on Windows 8.1.

"The one issue I have with Windows 8.1 is when I switch to the Metro environment and I close an app it goes back to the desktop, which I have as default," he moaned.

"What I love about Windows 8/8.1 is being able to start typing the app name and the search window appears. That is more efficient then using the Start button. So if they put Metro shortcuts on the desktop, I hope the search stays the same," he added.

A Lloyds Bank letdown

Customers of Lloyd's Banking Group, which covers the TSB, Lloyds Bank and Halifax brands, were leftembarrassed this week when a server bug left millions of them unable to make debit card payments or withdraw cash.

The problems started Sunday afternoon and lasted several hours, with many of the banks customers taking to Twitter to express their dismay.

TSB CEO also used the social networking site to keep customers up to date with what was going on, and in the process revealed the issue had been caused by an HP server failing.

IT Pro readers were not amused, with some questioning the resiliency of the bank's IT infrastructure, including DPrice.

"Lloyds should be ashamed and its IT staff re-evaluated. I am an IT manager and systems fail. Any competent IT team or manager will tell you that redundancy is paramount in a mission critical system," he fumed.

"If they can be affected by a single server failure to this extent, they don't have sufficient infrastructure planning or competent IT management.

"It doesnt matter if it's an HP, IBM, or Sun server. If you did not have a backup system running in parallel then the fault lies with Lloyds, not the hardware manufacturer."

DPrice's view won the backing of Kamal, who added: "Mentioning server manufacturer is irrelevant in the context of this issue. System failures are not uncommon. This is an infrastructure and redundancy issue."

Google goes down

Lloyds Banking Group wasn't the only one to run into technical difficulties last weekend, as search giant Google did too last Friday night.

The problems, which Google blamed on a software bug, left users across the world unable to access Gmail, Google+, Calendar and Documents for up to an hour.

In a contrite blog post, published in the wake of the downtime, Google apologised to users for "missing the mark" on its uptime targets.

Unfortunately, its apologies didn't wash with the IT Pro community, with the fantastically-named World Carrot Museum (WCM) among the readers who took issue with the firm's apology.

"Only missed the mark today? I am afraid Google is constantly missing the mark in not responding to customers' views and wishes," wrote WCM.

"All this tinkering with Maps, Google+ and Gmail is driving people nuts."

Francis Rex was equally as unforgiving, particularly when it comes to Google Chrome's recent performance.

"Not sure if it is my imagination but Chrome search responses seem to be taking noticeably longer of late and there is a higher incident of being unable to find pages. Given traffic volumes and the fact it is free, who can be surprised? But is the mighty Google vulnerable?"