Windows 9 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated software releases in Microsoft’s history, but probably not for the reasons the company hoped. Although what we’ve seen from leaks look promising, most Windows users are simply hoping to see Microsoft make a clear departure from the rocky road that has been Windows 8.
Considering the speed at which Microsoft has gotten Windows 9 ready for a public preview, it might not be the complete overhaul some users are expecting, but there are sure to be plenty of added features on the new operating system. We know that the Start menu is returning, but everything else is still up in the air, including Cortana’s transition from Windows Phone to the desktop.
Cortana might not be the only feature ported from the mobile OS either — Neowin reports that Windows 9 will be receiving its own notification center as well. The notification center will launch from the system tray and will sort alerts based on the apps that trigger them. There will be a button to clear all notifications, but you’ll also have the option to remove them individually.
Unlike on Windows Phone, the notification center won’t slide down to cover the entire screen. Instead, it will exist as a small, fixed window at the bottom right of the display. Rather than increasing in size as notifications come in, you’ll have to scroll up and down in the window to see everything.
The functionality of the notification center is apparently a bit basic at the moment, but expect Microsoft to continue to tool with it leading up to the retail release of Windows 9.
