Microsoft already sent out invites to a special media event to be held on Sept. 30, presumably to announce the alleged Windows 9 beta for a developer and technology preview.

The event, reportedly set to showcase the upcoming releases from the tech company, will take place in San Francisco. It will be spearheaded by Microsoft leaders Joe Belfiore and Terry Myerson.

Windows 9 is expected to launch in desktop and laptop PCs, smartphones, and tablets, said to be available beginning April 2015. The preview, which will be released during the event, is bound to excite users in getting the latest Windows update once it starts selling in the market.

The invitations that were sent by Microsoft to a lot of virtual addresses came in the midst of leaked reports released left and right about the alleged Windows 9. Some of the leaks have mentioned tidbits about the virtual desktop features of the new update, as well as the inclusion of a new Notification Center as well as the return of the Start menu.

Also, rumors surfaced about the alleged crossover of the Windows Phone assistant called Cortana in PC. However, the reports said that Cortana may not appear on the beta testing yet, but it will be unveiled once the final version is released next year.

Yet how much should a PC user prepare in order to experience the new Windows 9? According to rumors, the new Microsoft release will be free of charge to all consumers. The Russian tech news leak provider WZOR believes that Microsoft will allow PC, tablet, and smartphone users to download Windows 9 online for free, but they will charge OEMs who need to purchase the licenses that they will install in the devices that they will sell.

Microsoft has not confirmed any of these reports, so the world needs to wait further for what the company has to say during the scheduled Sept. 30 press event. However, the company said that the event will not be available for live streaming.