Windows 9 will be a major overhaul of the Windows 8 user interface, as change list continues to expand

Even as the public awaits Microsoft Corp.’s (MSFT) upcoming Windows 8.1 Update 2, an even more anticipated release — the Windows 9 “Threshold” Preview Release — looms on the horizon. With Microsoft reportedly targeting an April 2015 commercial launch, a public Preview Release in the Sept.-Oct. Window seems likely.

I. Virtual Desktops

Meanwhile, new reports from Neowin, ZDNet, The Verge, and WinBeta offer new details about a couple of major changes both to the feature set and UI of Windows 9.

First up, Brad Sams of Neowin is reporting that new builds of Windows 9 currently being tested by Microsoft engineers include a button that allows you to select from multiple workspaces (desktops). These so-called “virtual desktops” are a feature that’s long been found in most modern Unix-like operating systems including popular Linux distributions and OS X.

Microsoft’s implementation is close to that of Canonical, Ltd.’s Ubuntu, according to Neowin. As one would expect, power users will be able to switch between virtual desktops more quickly using keyboard shortcuts. The feature was first hinted at in February by Microsoft UI designer Jacob Miller.

A third party Windows 7 multi-desktop (virtual desktop) app [Image Source:Informatique-Live]

It’s worth noting that Windows actually has featured the ability to extend into virtual desktop since at least Windows 7. However, this capability was previously not built-in and required the use of third-party apps, most of which were somewhat clunky and unpolished, albeit well intentioned. Most users have been unaware of the existence of these options.

II. A Lack of Charm

The second and slightly less clear rumor involves changes to the “Charms” menu/overlay.

In its current form in Windows 8/8.1, the menu hovers on the right-hand side of your screen. The Charms menu currently provides general functionality — e.g. a Start Button to return you to the beginning of the Metro (Modern UI) Start Menu and some fast shortcuts to common system functions (search settings). When you’re running apps the Charms menu takes on a supporting role.

Apps commit to “Contracts” with the Charms menu, allowing for functionality like “Share” (where data is sent to other compatible registered apps, e.g. a camera app sending data to a Flickr app), “Search” (where content in the app is searched appropriately), and “Settings” (which reveals device specific settings).

Full Story: DailyTech – Windows 9 Ditches Charms, Adds Virtual Desktops, Fall Public Preview Prepped.