Microsoft has already made Windows for devices under nine inches free for OEMs, and there have been rumors in the past about the company experimenting with different pricing methods for Windows installed on PCs. Now a new screenshot that looks like it comes from a Microsoft employee"s Facebook account may have revealed a new version of Windows that could be based on a subscription model similar to Office 365.
Neowin community member FaiKee posted the screenshot in our forums, which has several lines blocked out, most likely to protect the identity of the person. One of the listings shows something called "Windows 365" and described as being in "Alpha based on Windows Core". It"s not that much of a stretch to speculate that "Windows 365" could be a very basic version of the OS and offered on PCs with a monthly fee. We have contacted Microsoft for comment.
The other parts of this alleged Facebook info page show that this person is also working on "Windows 9 Server & mobile edition." Microsoft has yet to confirm that Windows 9 is even being developed but some online reports have claimed it"s coming sometime in the spring of 2015. It also alludes to Windows 8.1 Update 2, which again Microsoft has not officially talked about. This update might be released this August and could add Microsoft"s Start menu back to the Windows 8.1 desktop.
The post mentions "Gemini", the code name for the rumored upcoming Modern UI version of Microsoft"s Office apps. Finally, there"s a listing for "Office 2015" which might also be released next year.
Thanks again to "FaiKee" for the tip!