Microsoft to Debut Windows 9 During Sept. 30 Event?

Aug 21, 2014 04:30 PM EDT | Matt Mercuro

Microsoft is preparing to reveal the latest version of its Windows operating system, according to a report by The Verge.

The report claims Microsoft is currently planning an event for September 20, where it will announce Windows 9.

The website cites "sources familiar with Microsoft's plans."

The event will likely showcase a number of important upgrades to the user interface, and could even include Cortana, Microsoft's voice assistant designed to rival Apple's Siri.

The preview will give developers a chance to look at the new mini Start Menu in Windows 9, alongside the removal of the Charms bar feature, according to The Verge.

If the rumors are true, the new Microsoft OS would be the first launch under Satya Nadella, who took over as CEO of the company earlier in 2014.

Nadell has tried shifting Microsoft's focus toward a strategy aimed at mobile and cloud space.

In a company-wide email sent out earlier this summer, Microsoft announced that it would be eliminating 18,000 jobs, most of which are related to the acquisition of Nokia's handset business.

The deal to purchase Nokia was finalized in April.

"We will be particularly focused on making the market for Windows Phone," said Stephen Elopp, executive vice president, earlier this summer, according to Reuters. "In the near term, we plan to drive Windows Phone volume by targeting the more affordable smartphone segments, which are the fastest growing segments of the market, with Lumia."

Approximately 12,500 of the layoffs will come from eliminating overlaps with the Nokia, which Microsoft purchased for $7.2 billion back in April.

About 25,000 people were added to Microsoft after the Nokia purchase was completed, pushing its headcount to 127,000.

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