Windows 9 Release Date: Major Software Revamps Expected At Sept. 30 Press Event

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) has announced that the unveiling event for its Windows 9 operating system will take place on Sept. 30 in San Francisco. The Redmond, Washington-based company sent out press invites for the event on Monday. The event will be hosted by corporate vice president Joe Belfiore and executive vice president Terry Myerson; the Microsoft heads will discuss the new Windows software and Microsoft’s enterprise sector.

Windows 9 is expected to reintroduce the classic Windows desktop, for users who have not been fans of the Windows 8 Metro interface. Users will reportedly have the option of choosing which interface they would like to boot. Rumors also indicate that Microsoft may implement a virtual desktops feature, and a Notification Center on Windows 9 in addition to its Cortana personal assistant. Cortana currently runs on the Windows Phone operating system and is a favorite feature among many Windows Phone users. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the company has plans to create a single Windows software, which will be compatible with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Bringing Cortana to the desktops could be a sign of this future integration.

A "Windows Technical Preview" will likely be available following the Windows 9 launch, while the system is expected to be publicly available sometime next year. Through the Windows Technical Preview, developers and enterprise users will receive a number of updates and system changes that won’t be ready in time for the Sept. 30 launch.

Users have highly anticipated Windows 9 amid many issues with the current Windows 8 platform. Windows 7 has remained Microsoft’s most widely used PC operating system despite much effort on the company's part to bring improvements to Windows 8.