Microsoft could be planning on ditching the contentious Windows 8 Charms sidebar from the next version of Windows.
The Charms bar currently sits on the right hand side of the Windows 8 OS, popping into view when you swipe from the right (or, more commonly, when you send your mouse pointer to the corner of the display). It offers quick access to search, share, settings menu, device management, and the Start screen.
But it's set to be scrapped in Windows 9, if recent reports are to be believed. According to WinBeta, Microsoft is looking into alternatives to the Charms system, and will almost certainly omit it from Windows 9.
The Verge confirms that current iterations of Windows Threshold, which is essentially the alpha version of Windows 9, does not include the Charms UI element.
Meanwhile, ZDNet also confirms that the Charms bar is for the chop, while reporting that some Metro-style apps will incorporate certain Charms features within their title bars. This is part of Microsoft's intention to have apps running as independent floating entities on the desktop, and not so reliant on Windows OS functions like the Charms bar.
Another new feature to appear in Windows 9, according to these report, will apparently be virtual desktops. This will allow serious users to switch between separate desktops at the touch of a button.
Expect to see a preview version of Windows 9 released later in the year ahead of a spring 2015 launch.
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