TORONTO – Microsoft appears poised to introduce a mix of old and new features for its latest operating system, according to screenshots and video footage recently leaked online.
One of the newest features users might see as part of Windows 9 is Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana.
According to leaked images posted to a German blog Monday, Cortana files do exist on the Windows Technical Preview. However, the images don’t provide any clue as to how users will interact with the digital assistant.
Cortana works similar to other voice activated assistants such as Apple’s Siri and Google Now.
The assistant, named after an artificial-intelligence character in the company’s “Halo” video games, allows users to use voice commands to search for information, set alarms and make calendar entries.
But Cortana goes further by warning you of conflicts when you add items to your calendar, for example. It will also remind you to ask about the new dog your sister just got the next time you communicate with her, whether that’s by phone, chat or email.
READ MORE: Microsoft reveals Siri-like Windows Phone feature
The feature was introduced as part of the update to the Windows Phone operating system in April.
As for old features, Microsoft has already confirmed that it will bring the Start menu back. That was good news for users who refused to switch to the wildly unpopular Windows 8, which got rid of the feature altogether.
But leaked clips reportedly showing Windows 9 in action reveal the Start menu will feature both a list of traditional apps, much like the Start menu of the past, and a new section that consists of “modern apps” with Live Tiles.
The leaked material popped up just two weeks before Microsoft is expected to unveil its technical preview of the new operating system.
The company sent out invitations for the Sept. 30 event Monday, with the slogan, “Join us for what’s next for Windows and the enterprise.”
But a healthy mix of old and new could be just what the doctor ordered for Windows.
Windows 8, released in October 2012, was a massive flop for the software giant due to its radical departure from Windows’ traditional design. The design, which emphasized interactive tiles and touch controls, confused traditional users and sparked widespread complaints.
In May 2013, Microsoft announced it would release an update to Windows 8 to address some of the complaints.
READ MORE: Microsoft touching up Windows 8 to address gripes
There is still no expected release date or official name for the new operating system – though, if Microsoft sticks with tradition, it could be a numbered release.
Comments