Microsoft is polishing up Windows Threshold and so far this week, we have exclusively reveled that virtual desktops will be coming to the updated Windows OS and that the Charms bar will be getting overhauled as well. While there has not been a single leaked build of the OS (yet), it does look like the plans to release a preview of the OS later this year are still on track.
Mary Jo Foley, who reiterated and confirmed our scoop about the virtual desktops, also reports that her sources have indicated that a fall public preview for Threshold is still on track for release. If true, that means that Microsoft is quickly moving towards a stable release of the OS and we will likely hear more about other new features in the very near future.
Microsoft is pushing aggressively ahead of Windows Threshold as it knows that to get consumers to upgrade from Windows 7 or even XP, it needs to bring back the Start menu. While most of you who have jumped to Windows 8 have easily adapted to the new setup, consumers (and the enterprise) in the wider market have spoken and they want the Start menu back before they think about upgrading.
We expect that Windows Threshold will be a popular release for Microsoft as it seems that many consumers have decided to skip over Windows 8; 75% of all desktop OS users still run Windows 7 or XP. Knowing that, Microsoft will have to hit a home-run with Windows Threshold if they want to keep control of the desktop market.
Source: Mary Jo Foley