Microsoft is expected to release an early version previewof Windows Threshold next month. Threshold for those who don't know is the code name of the new operating system, which will probably be called Windows 9.
The company has been developing the software for the past several months, adding minor tweaks and features to a "technology preview" version and preparing to make it available to the public. Microsoft has already developed and distributed Threshold to its close OEMs and partners. According to ZDNet, a public preview is expected to be released next month or in early October.
The Windows 9 preview will be a first release from Microsoft to allow developers to test Windows, for features that are not fully completed or missing. ZDNet claims that existing internal versions of Threshold include a new mini Start menu, “Metro-style” apps that appear in separate windows in surface work, virtual Desktops, the removal of the Charms bar feature, and an early version of Cortana. Microsoft has also made several changes to the Windows 9 UI, along with several enhancement tweaks.