The latest on Windows 8.1 Update 2 and Windows 9

Microsoft is said to be working on two new updates for their desktop operating system - Windows 8.1 Update 2 (also known as Windows 8.2) and Windows 9. There have been several rumors, reports and leaks which will lead up to the eventual release of these updates and we have put together all that is known so far.

Windows 8.1 Update 2 (Windows 8.2)

Windows 8.1 Update 2 is expected to be the next update for Windows. Microsoft released Windows 8.1 Update 1 in April, and reports suggest that the Windows 8.1 Update 2 will be released sometime between August and September this year.

It is currently not known what Microsoft plans to offer with Windows 8.1 Update 2, but we expect the software giant will continue its trend in making subtle improvements to the platform to make it more desktop friendly.

Windows 9

Meanwhile Windows 9 will be a major update to Microsoft's desktop platform and is rumored to arrive in April 2015. With Windows 9, Microsoft is expected to allow modern apps to run in a windows, on your desktop. You will also be able to pin modern apps to your Windows taskbar and quickly access them in windows. This will allow a more seamless experience for users across desktop and modern apps.

The classic Start Menu is also expected to return on Windows 9. The Start Menu was previously expected on Windows 8.1 Update 2 has now been pushed back to Windows 9. Microsoft hasn't explained why the Start Menu was pushed back, but we do know for sure that it will be returning. The Start Menu will allow Live Tiles to be pinned to it and can be seen in action in the following video

The lack of a Start Menu and Start Button was the center of controversy for Windows 8. Microsoft brought back the Start button with Windows 8.1.

Microsoft is also expected to be working on bringing Cortana from Windows Phone 8.1 over to Windows 9. In a recent article we discussed the possibility of Microsoft porting Cortana for Android and iOS, but it seems the company's main priority will be to bring the voice activated digital assistant to Windows Phone and Windows first.

Are you excited about the upcoming features on Windows ? Leave us a comment and let is know what you are looking forward to the most