A leaked image seems to have confirmed that the long-awaited return of the Start Menu feature will happen with the next update of Windows 8.1, rather than the launch of Windows 9 next summer. It’s looking like reports of a return for the beloved Start Menu with Windows 9 might have been fabricated after all. […]
A leaked image seems to have confirmed that the long-awaited return of the Start Menu feature will happen with the next update of Windows 8.1, rather than the launch of Windows 9 next summer.
It’s looking like reports of a return for the beloved Start Menu with Windows 9 might have been fabricated after all. Not that it’s in any way bad news, as the latest leaks seem to suggest the next Windows 8.1 update will in fact herald the feature’s long begged-for return.
The last we heard from Microsoft was the promise back in April that the public’s cries had indeed been acknowledged. However, they didn’t give any kind of indication as to when the Start Menu would come back and nor have they said a word on the matter since…at least not in any official capacity.
This is far from the first leaked image we’ve seen depicting the new Start Menu, but what makes it a standout example is the general consensus from critics that it’s legit. It’s certainly similar enough to the sneak-peek Redmond gave the world a few months back, so assuming no big changes have been mad along the way it could indeed be an accurate picture of what’s to come.
A fair few insist it’s a simple Photoshop effort, but you’re never going to convince everyone at the same time with anything.
The leak follows additional reports which suggest that the controversial Live Tiles slapped on all versions of Windows 8 will take something of a back-seat next year when Windows 9 hits the mix. A variety of sources have stated that while Microsoft’s long-disputed Metro interface will remain pretty similar for touchscreen devices, it will to a large extent be phased out for desktop and laptop computers.
Windows 9 is likely to launch toward the summer of next year, perhaps preceded by the final update to Windows 8.1 in early Q1.
