While we already know Microsoft is working in the next version of Windows, currently codenamed “Threshold”, we also know that the company will be introducing the new Start Menu. But despite previous details about the Start Menu simply complementing the Start screen, new report from WinSuperSite claims that the it will actually replace this one.
However, users will have the option to stretch the menu in a way that it can fill the entire screen, very similar to the Start screen users currently have with the Windows 8/8.1.
Microsoft has previously demoed a Start Menu concept during the last Build conference, and even though the final version will ship with more profound refinements. The “Windows 9” Start Menu is not based in the previous menu you’ve used in Windows 7, instead it’s brand new menu, built from the ground up, and based on the Windows 8.1 Start screen.
The software giant is also adding some code that will detect automatically the type of computer Windows 9 is running on, and if it detects a traditional PC (desktop, laptop, or Ultrabook), then the user will be presented with the new Start menu. Otherwise, if the operating system detects a tablet or another type of touch-enable device, then Windows 9 will present the user the Start screen users currently get with Windows 8.x.
Threshold will do its best to detect the environment that is in, however Microsoft will also add a setting, so users can also decide which experience they want to have.
Microsoft is expected to release a preview of Threshold, which it may or may not be called “Windows 9”, before the end of the year, and we expect to see final release by Spring 2015.
Source WinSuperSite