Microsoft plans to unveil the first preview of Windows Threshold at the end of September as a “Technical Preview”. There has been a lot of rumors and most of them turned out to be true, thanks to the Windows Technical Preview leak. However there has been another rumor, which is known as “Windows as a Service” (WaaS) that could eventually be part of Windows 9.

Previously we heard about “Windows 365”, which speculated Windows as a paid subscription to get new updates, but the rumor was shortly discredited. Though, it’s not all said that Microsoft may turn updates and new features as a paid service in the future.

SEE ALSO: Windows 9: free for all, including for Windows XP and Vista

With all that being said, it seems that Windows as a Service is a plan to change the way users get updates and new features. Beginning with Windows Threshold, the software maker is considering to include an opt-in option that will allow a set of users to get new features that regular users won’t get.

The point of WaaS is to allow Microsoft to test, collect used telemetry data, and direct feedback from users to decide which new features are more likely to succeed in the operating system. Once the company is sure than a new feature is worthy, then it will push it out to everyone. Though, this may sound like something new, the company already does something similar with Bing, Azure, and Yammer.

The rumor follow-up recent information that said that in Windows Threshold users would require to agree to all the monthly updates after the Technical Preview releases. However, new information states that it will be optional. And I also heard of an option that will be included in Windows to upgrade to the latest build without having to completely re-install the operating system.

SEE ALSO: How Microsoft is changing Windows updates with Threshold

If Microsoft executes “Windows as a Service” correctly, it could give the company an edge on what works and what doesn’t work, making Windows 9 a better operating system over time. However, the company by going forward with this new approach doesn’t mean it will continue to do the same after releasing the final version of Windows 9.

Source ZDNet