Windows 9 to feature virtual desktops?

The latest rumor about Windows Threshold (aka Windows 9) is that Microsoft is working on bringing virtual desktops to its operating system. This feature is already present in Mac OS X as well as Ubuntu and Microsoft's effort is said to resemble that of Ubuntu. According to Neowin, the feature is still early on in development but the goal is to activate desktops with a button on the taskbar (subject) and there are keyboard shortcuts that let you jump between active desktops.

For those of you who have never used virtual desktops, they are a simple way to help stay organized and focused. The feature works by creating multiple “desktops” where you can keep open applications and then switch between the desktops to view other applications. For example, you can create a virtual desktop that has Outlook open and then other desktop with your web browser, both apps are running on their own desktop to allow you to focus on either web browsing, or email.

This feature is great for devices with smaller screens or desktops with only one monitor where having two desktop layouts (or more) can be beneficial to productivity. This feature will be another addition that Microsoft will use to convince those on Windows 7 and XP that Windows Threshold is worth upgrading too as it allows for increased productivity.