We’ve been hearing about Microsoft testing different pricing models for Windows for quite some time. Very recently the company made Windows free for phone and PC makers for devices under 9-inch, and we’ve even heard about Microsoft creating a new “Windows Cloud” operating system that will required an internet connection to take full advantage of the software. Today new information has surfaced about a possible Office 365 like subscription-based for Windows — It’s allegedly called “Windows 365”.
The new information comes from a screenshot of a Facebook post — which, of course, doesn’t show the name of the person who posted to protect his/her identity –, that clearly shows the status of various Microsoft products, including: Windows 9, “Windows 365”, Office 365, and a few others. And interesting enough Windows 365 is shown with a status of “Alpha based on Windows Core”.
If we look at Microsoft’s current Office 365 offering, it shouldn’t be a mystery that Windows 365 is just an attempt to offer the operating system on a monthly and/or even yearly basis fee model, where users will get free upgrades and more benefits.
Another information worth noting from the Facebook screenshot is that the image reveals the names: “Windows 9 & Server & mobile edition”, and Microsoft has yet to officially confirm the development of Windows 9, which presumably is scheduled to arrive in 2015. Also Windows 8.1 Update 1 shows an status of “done”, and Windows 8.1 Update 2, has a mention too, but the status has been blocked. However, the rumor is that the second update for Windows 8.1 could arrive as soon as August 2014, which could also be the time that will mark the return of the Start Menu — remember, the one that the software maker showed off during the Build developer conference in San Francisco.
Office code named “Gemini” is mentioned, which is the version of Office that Microsoft is working on to include a modern user-interface. And finally “Office 2015” is also in the screenshot, which is the next major version of the suite and it’s scheduled to be released in 2015.
Source Neowin Forum
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].