Andre Yoskowitz
4 Aug 2014 18:24
Microsoft insider Mary Jo Foley says Windows 9 (aka Threshold) is on the way to a spring 2015 release, and some older Windows users could even be getting it for free.
Because of how soon Windows 9 is to release, Windows 8.1 users will likely only get smaller update packs in the future, and that some may not even be mandatory like Windows 8.1 was.
There was even talk that Windows 8.1 update 3 could be scrapped altogether, especially if Windows 9 stays in its anticipated time frame for launch.
Most interestingly from Foley's report was the rumor that older edition Windows users (namely XP, Vista and 7) could be given Windows 9 for free if their PCs can run it, as a way to quickly boost adoption of the updated OS.
Windows 8 adoption has slowed of late, and the boost in the PC industry experienced in the last year could already be on its last legs.