First Windows 9 picture leaks, revealing a Start menu

Posted on My Digital Life forums, a leaked picture of the latest version of the future Windows 9 shows a Start menu. Although unofficial, this screen capture could confirm Microsoft's intention to go back to this kind of menu after removing it in Windows 8.

A-first-unofficial-Windows-9-picture-of-Windows-9-with-a-Start-menu-has-leaked-on-My-Digital-Life-forums-Photo-AFP

Posted on My Digital Life forums, a leaked picture of the latest version of the future Windows 9 shows a Start menu. Although unofficial, this screen capture could confirm Microsoft's intention to go back to this kind of menu after removing it in Windows 8.

Meanwhile, specialized website Neowin reports that the label 'Windows 8.1' featuring on the screen is just a red herring, as Microsoft developers simply do not want to reveal a definitive name for the future operating system.

Towards a spring 2015 release

The commercial launch for Windows 9 (code name: Threshold) could take place in April 2015. Microsoft is believed to be planning to make all of its products (PCs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles...) migrate towards a single system.

Characterized by its completely redesigned interface and its compatibility with touchscreen devices, Windows 8 was released on October 26, 2012. A few days earlier, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates himself had hinted at that Windows and Windows Phone should one day converge towards a single platform.