As many noted when Microsoft first unveiled Windows 8, the new operating system was a substantial departure for the Redmond giant. The OS looked radically different when compared to past Microsoft efforts, and the company touted its introduction as a bold new step into the future.
At the same time, not everyone was sold on Microsoft's ambition. Would businesses and consumers embrace Windows 8, or would they just wait for the inevitable Windows 9?
Especially in the business sector, many analysts predicted that most companies would wait more than a year before considering Windows 8 adoption, and that even more might simply postpone upgrades until Windows 9 came out.
The thing is, it might actually be getting harder to predict when Windows 9 might be released.
This week, numerous reports have cropped up claiming Microsoft is readying an operating system called "Windows Blue." ZDnet's Mary Jo Foley is reporting that the company has completed its first milestone build of Windows Blue — but is this new system actually Windows 9?
Microsoft, of course, refuses to comment on the matter. Still, there are number of indications it's not. For one thing, the company has decided to embrace updating its OS every year instead of every three, and Blue would be the first upgrade to fall into that new schedule. According to Foley, Windows Blue will be presented as a Windows 8 refresh.
If Blue tweaks and fixes what users have complained about with Windows 8, it could be fine, but those expecting a drastic redesign or return to tradition probably shouldn't get their hopes up. CEO Steve Ballmer reiterated on Wednesday his company's decision to offer a universal interface across all types of computing products, so chances are good that Blue will keep the distinct look and feel of Windows 8. Even if Windows 9 does become a reality at some point, it's unlikely to offer the Windows 7-style system holdouts are looking for.
If that's the case, why are so many people, especially businesses, passing on Windows 8, if Windows 9 won't be moving them back through time?
Companies have skipped Windows updates before. Some chose to ignore Windows Vista and wait for Windows 7. It's possible they simply don't need an upgrade so soon, and would have waited for Windows 9 regardless of how Windows 8 turned out.
Another explanation is that Windows 8 mostly benefits employees who are often on the move, and they don't need that kind of functionality on computers that never move from the top of a desk. What's more, companies don't want to spend the time and effort to train people in a new system when they're not confident Microsoft will stick with the interface. If Windows Blue (or Windows 9, for that matter) continues using the tile-based system, in addition to adding business-friendly functionality, it would go a long way toward proving the interface isn't going anywhere soon.
Considering Microsoft's committment to annual updates, though, you can expect to find out more about Windows Blue sooner rather than later. If it's really considered the equivalent of Windows 9, you'll be sure to hear about it.
