Windows 9: 10 Features we want to see

[Sos Gomes]

With the Windows 9 release date looming, here are the top features we want to see

Windows 9 is tipped to be the hot topic of conversation at next week's Microsoft Build Developer conference in San Francisco, with industry types flocking to the show to hear details of Redmond's next big operating system launch.

Tickets to Build 2014 sold out in 24 hours when rumours of Windows 9 hit the internet, highlighting - perhaps - just how much appetite there is out there for a Windows 8 successor.

Details on Windows 9, codenamed “Threshold” (a reported Halo reference), are scarce, but we do know Microsoft wants to distance itself from Windows 8, which is widely considered to have been a disaster.

At the moment, various industry sources are touting a possible April 2015 release date for Windows 9, and below is a list of the 10 feature we hope Microsoft includes.

1. Lower price

Microsoft needs a carrot to dangle in front of consumers and businesses to convince them to invest in Windows 9 machines. The firm might even have to go so far as offering users the chance to upgrade to the next-iteration of Windows for free.

Reducing the cost of upgrading will help people finally part with Windows XP - the 10-year-old operating system, which is about to come to the end of its lifecycle.

2. Better Battery Life

Intel’s 2013 Haswell chips provided a big jump in battery life, which can be seen in the latest crop of Ultrabooks.

Windows machines have long been known to burn through battery power quicker than Mac OS X counterparts.

Ars Technica gave a detailed breakdown of how OS X Mavericks saves power. The system schedules tasks to run in clumps to maximise processor idle time and minimise power consumption. The latest version of Apple’s OS was so efficient, it even added an extra 60 minutes of battery life to older hardware which is upgraded to this operating system.

Microsoft needs to better implement power saving features into Windows 9 or risk being left further behind next-gen Mac products.

3. Desktop-Only Mode

The Metro UI has alienated many loyal Windows users and the firm is going to have to work hard to appease them.

Microsoft could earn back trust if it admitted its error and added a desktop-only mode. Windows 8.1 went some way towards this making things better as it allows you to boot straight to desktop.

But we want Windows 9 to take this a step further. We want the option to switch Metro off. So when you turn on desktop-only mode, this means images should open in Windows Gallery, not the Metro Preview app.

Desktop-only mode would let users work in peace and placate some of Microsoft’s critics, while allowing the company to keep experimenting with Metro for consumers.

4. Virtual desktops for improved productivity

OS X and Linux have had virtual desktops for years. They allow you to keep multiple sets of windows open on one computer, improving productivity when juggling multiple projects.

Microsoft should build this feature into the next version of Windows, so you don’t have to install third-party software.

5. Bring back the real Start button

It’s amazing how so many people can miss such a small feature. Microsoft gave into popular demand when it put a Start button in Windows 8.1, but this just brings you back to the Start screen.

Perhaps the company could add a traditional Start menu for when the user runs desktop-only mode. Something with the old menu, not just another shortcut back into Metro.

6. Over-the-air system recovery

Microsoft could also make it easier to restore Windows in the event of a malfunction. Mac devices can reinstall OS X by simply downloading files from the internet.

A similar system would make it easier to recover Windows computers, as it is much simpler than digging through BIOS boot settings and trying to find your recovery USB.

Keeping so many system-specific files would be difficult, but it’s possible. Microsoft could convince hardware manufacturers to contribute the necessary files so users could recover their systems over-the-air.

7. Better display scaling

Windows has not been able to cope with the high-resolution devices manufacturers have started pumping out. As screen resolutions climb north of 1920 x 1080, programs such as Adobe Premiere and Vegas Pro can be rendered unusable in some cases as icons can appear tiny and pixellated.

Howtogeek put up a useful guide explaining how to change the compatibility settings for your troublesome Windows apps in order to make the text readable again, but this shouldn’t even be necessary.

Microsoft needs to add better support for Retina-quality displays to make sure the new version of its OS still looks good on devices like the Surface Pro 2.

8. Improved anti-virus

Windows is a primary target for viruses, if only by virtue of its dominant market share. Redmond’s OS attracts the lion’s share of malware, while OS X and Linux aren’t as vulnerable.

Microsoft releases regular security patches and has built Microsoft Security Essentials into Windows 8 - but this has been critically panned. In the Dennis publishing tests, it missed 39 per cent of malware thrown at it.

We might see things improve with Windows 9 as Intel has rebranded the McAfee software suite and could provide comprehensive protection. But Microsoft has to up its game too.

9. Fix Windows Update

Updating Windows software has driven many people to the brink of insanity. If ignored for too long, Windows may reboot your PC at the worst moment possible and then you can be trapped in what seems like a never-ending cycle of updating and rebooting.

Refreshing drivers is the same. PC users shouldn't have to dig through a manufacturer’s website in 2014, looking for the latest version of a driver for their laptop’s graphics card.

Surely Microsoft could leverage its Windows Store to deliver updates more efficiently and simultaneously, instead of forcing users to endlessly download more and more patches.

10. Native DVD playback

One more feature we’d like to see in Windows is native DVD playback. Microsoft decided to remove this feature for Windows 8, to the annoyance of users. If you want your PC to play DVDs, you have to shell out $10 for a Windows Media Center add-on.

Source:http://www.itpro.co.uk/desktop-software/21498/windows-9-10-features-we-want-to-see

[software182]

So, "lower price" is a feature too... Seems legit

[speedpedal]

Just give the operating system away for free. Make the money back on the software products you sell. A few forward thinking companies are making their tangible products available at a very reasonable cost so they can sell the supplies.

I understand that something like may sound silly, but think about it for awhile and figure out how it might work! Today's marketing is all upside down - Old worn out Marketing Ideas aren't working anymore. When total greed and too many restrictions are in place nothing moves. I'd like to hear some comments on this.

[SPECTRUM]

+1 for: Desktop-Only Mode & Bring back the real Start button ;)

[Allen_Prasetya]

Hope they can make it better than windows 8/8.1 now, performance great, just need some UI changes ;)

[Misaki2010]

The guy that made this article is REALLY DUMB...

If you got a PC and you got Windows 8.1 Update 1... the images are not opened by the 'metro' app but by the old image viewer that was by default on Windows 7. Also, turing off 'metro' should be OPTIONAL!

I would like virtual desktops :) It would really be a neat feature, without having to use thirt-party apps.

The 'traditional' start menu is already on it's way and will be released on Windows 8.1 Update 2.

No problems here with Windows Updates... it prompts me that it will automatically install in 1 day if I don't want to restart exactly in the second that the updates are finished.

The built-in antivirus sucks... using Avast Internet Security, way better and uses less RAM memory.

EDIT: I really enjoy the metro apps, since I love my Windows Phone, I surely love Windows 8.1 Update 1 as well! The metro apps are more than amazing but some need improvements, more options and more features. Starting with Skype, Twitter, Viber, the metro version of Internet Explorer, more options for OneDrive, some metro apps for Office (but I know they're already working on them). As for desktop... I want to see more addons on it... I want to be able to use it like I do with Mozilla, or Chrome, or Opera... I really like the speed I see on IE11 and it's really hard to rest not to use it.

Edited May 31, 2014 by Misaki2010

[sinders]

It would be great if Windows 9 also had a Windows 7 style extra

theme, even if you had to unlock it.

I am not keen on this new metro UI look of the desktop

and would much prefer if it looks more like Windows 7.

If microsoft doesn't add the classic Windows 7 style

theme to Windows 9 which can be selected or unlocked,

then hopefully a theme will come out that will make

Windows 9 desktop look like Windows 7.

Edited May 31, 2014 by sinders

[dcs18]

It is too early to be speaking about Windows 9 - ATM, it is just a sperm in the test-tube.

1. Lower price

Most of us procure our Windows free of cost - for the average Joe though, the price could be a parameter.

Having said that, the 8.1 has been amongst the lowest-priced Windows.

2. Better Battery Life

Modern Windows bring a lot of linear power & performance to the table - that does consume battery juice.

3. Desktop-Only Mode

Throughout the Windows 8 series, it has been possible for Advanced Users to engage their computing in purely Desktop mode - Modern UI (Metro) has been a demon for only the uber n00bs.

FWIW, GenNext prefers the Start Screen - I do envy them (it highlights the area where I need to upgrade myself.)

4. Virtual desktops for improved productivity

The virtual environment on the Windows 8 series is far more advanced than its predecessors.

5. Bring back the real Start button

The Start Button (on the 8.1) is as real as it gets - the Author seems to have confused the Start Menu with the Start Button.

My personal wish is that the Start Menu should not be re-introduced on Windows 9 - however if introduced, at least a window of opportunity should be left for 3rd party Start Menu alternatives.

6. Over-the-air system recovery

Sounds good for gullible Users who find it fashionable to go Cloud - personally, I would be disabling any and all of Cloud based features as I have always been doing.

FWIW, I disable the numerous native Microsoft components & modules completely as a matter of principle - they keep calling home, persistently.

7. Better display scaling

The Windows 8 series has the best DPI scaling amongst Windows - unfortunately, it exists as two different layers spread across the Desktop and Start Screen.

8. Improved anti-virus

Admittedly, Microsoft have enhanced their AntiVirus with every Windows edition - nonetheless, their AV is nowhere close to 3rd party offerings. :nono:

9. Fix Windows Update

Well, Peeps who neglect to perform a full and clean install will always find themselves at the receiving end of Windows Update - no matter whichever flavor of Windows they may choose.

10. Native DVD playback

I don't think that Kyle Nazario has really used any of the modern Windows. :doh:

[clubhouse]

Doesn't matter what people think it should have, Windows will release it in the form they think is appealing to a broad spectrum customer base....Some will be happy, others won't.

Edited June 1, 2014 by clubhouse

[David]

at least this guy may change something.... you are reading is article right? do you have one ? allways criticizing gosh... i would like the world to be perfect but its impossible

The guy that made this article is REALLY DUMB...

If you got a PC and you got Windows 8.1 Update 1... the images are not opened by the 'metro' app but by the old image viewer that was by default on Windows 7. Also, turing off 'metro' should be OPTIONAL!

I would like virtual desktops :) It would really be a neat feature, without having to use thirt-party apps.

The 'traditional' start menu is already on it's way and will be released on Windows 8.1 Update 2.

No problems here with Windows Updates... it prompts me that it will automatically install in 1 day if I don't want to restart exactly in the second that the updates are finished.

The built-in antivirus sucks... using Avast Internet Security, way better and uses less RAM memory.

EDIT: I really enjoy the metro apps, since I love my Windows Phone, I surely love Windows 8.1 Update 1 as well! The metro apps are more than amazing but some need improvements, more options and more features. Starting with Skype, Twitter, Viber, the metro version of Internet Explorer, more options for OneDrive, some metro apps for Office (but I know they're already working on them). As for desktop... I want to see more addons on it... I want to be able to use it like I do with Mozilla, or Chrome, or Opera... I really like the speed I see on IE11 and it's really hard to rest not to use it.

[Misaki2010]

at least this guy may change something.... you are reading is article right? do you have one ? allways criticizing gosh... i would like the world to be perfect but its impossible

The guy that made this article is REALLY DUMB...

If you got a PC and you got Windows 8.1 Update 1... the images are not opened by the 'metro' app but by the old image viewer that was by default on Windows 7. Also, turing off 'metro' should be OPTIONAL!

I would like virtual desktops :) It would really be a neat feature, without having to use thirt-party apps.

The 'traditional' start menu is already on it's way and will be released on Windows 8.1 Update 2.

No problems here with Windows Updates... it prompts me that it will automatically install in 1 day if I don't want to restart exactly in the second that the updates are finished.

The built-in antivirus sucks... using Avast Internet Security, way better and uses less RAM memory.

EDIT: I really enjoy the metro apps, since I love my Windows Phone, I surely love Windows 8.1 Update 1 as well! The metro apps are more than amazing but some need improvements, more options and more features. Starting with Skype, Twitter, Viber, the metro version of Internet Explorer, more options for OneDrive, some metro apps for Office (but I know they're already working on them). As for desktop... I want to see more addons on it... I want to be able to use it like I do with Mozilla, or Chrome, or Opera... I really like the speed I see on IE11 and it's really hard to rest not to use it.

Change what... he's only complaining about stuff that Microsoft is already working on! And YES I have Windows 8 ;) I had it before many of you did... since I had the leaked builds, then the developer builds and so on... I liked it since the first build that came with the Metro Start menu, it has a lot of missing features but it was great, and it got even better. I just hope that Update 2 won't break it since it will come with that small start menu (they need to make it optional). As for apps in window mode, that's one feature that I WANT TO HAVE, it's the only thing I'm waiting from Update 2 (and improved metro apps)

Edited June 1, 2014 by Misaki2010

[dcs18]

If microsoft doesn't add the classic Windows 7 style

theme to Windows 9 which can be selected or unlocked,

then hopefully a theme will come out that will make

Windows 9 desktop look like Windows 7.

Well, whether Microsoft likes it or not, Skinners will always manage to come out with some outstanding 3rd party themes to match and even out-match Windows 7.

It took quite a while for most of us, here to conquer Windows 8 - ATM, have successfully skinned even the latest 8.1 Update, Pro. :)

Moral:--

The Competents will accomplish what they want to regardless of what Microsoft (or their Slaves) think about it.

[LeeSmithG]

I would like to see a built in key scrambler option, for all types, standard, pro, business etcetera.

I want messenger back as it was before that nasty skype was released.

I would like also the option of not having to boot to update.

I would also like a backup system like the defunct Norton Ghost (ex-Powerquest).

One of the reasons I will not goto v8.1 is because ghost does not work on it.

Edited June 2, 2014 by LeeSmithG

[cyberber]

LeeSmithG a few observations to your comments

"I want messenger back as it was before that nasty skype was released".

Messenger was discontinued as skype was bought by Microsoft an they had to adhere to the changes skype inflicted on the program.

"I would also like a backup system like the defunct Norton Ghost (ex-Powerquest)."

Its not Microsoft fault that Symantec has not introduced a compatible program Norton Ghost for Windows 8 and 8.10 this is Symantec negligence on producing updates to their products.

Edited June 2, 2014 by cyberber

[dcs18]

"I would also like a backup system like the defunct Norton Ghost (ex-Powerquest)."

Its not Microsoft fault that Symantec has not introduced a compatible program Norton Ghost for Windows 8 and 8.10 this is Symantec negligence on producing updates to their products.

Absolutely true!!!

Have been using Acronis True Image Premium - it is working great (even on dissimilar hardware - cross GPT / NTFS.)

[MidnightDistortions]

Instead of better battery life, why not ask for better batteries? Some are made cheap, inferior or lack the amount of energy needed to work properly. They die or become shortened after 5 years. I have rechargeable batteries that last longer than laptop batteries.

[shasi]

what ever it may be where there is nsaneforums there are softwares for free

I am waiting for better display scaling