Microsoft is currently working on two different Windows projects, both of which are supposed to bring major improvements to the otherwise disappointing Windows 8 released in October 2012.
Windows 8.1, a major upgrade for Windows 8.
Microsoft is on track to unleash the RTM version of Windows 8.1 next month, while Windows 9, the next-generation Windows operating system, is projected to see daylight in November 2014.
Windows 9 developer preview is expected to go live during BUILD 2013.
Windows 9 Release Candidate is slated to arrive during MIX 2014
Windows 9 RTM build with Internet Explorer 12 during BUILD 2014
Windows 9 Mobile debuts and go commercial in November 2014.
Windows 9 will be due in 2014.It appears that Microsoft has worked out a much more complex long-term plan for its Windows platform, as the company might actually delay Windows 9 in case Windows 8.1 fails to excite, just like the operating system it's based on.
According to some new rumors, Microsoft is also pondering the release of a second Windows 8 upgrade, possibly called Windows 8.2, which could bring a number of improvements to Windows 8.1 and likely to be unveiled in 2014.
If this is true, launching Windows 9 during the same year won't make much sense, so Microsoft would basically have no other choice than to delay the next full Windows release.
Of course, you shouldn't take this for granted, but don't be too surprised if Microsoft decides to continue the Windows 8 upgrade frenzy next year.
