The next Windows update could allow Microsoft to consolidate Windows, Windows phones and Xbox Ones into a universal operating system.

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The update, which is thought to be the "Threshold" wave announced last week , will unite all three platforms from a user perspective, complete with a common app store across the trio. The update is thought to be a response to complaints aimed at WIndows 8.1."Threshold" will ship in three different versions, according to Windows Supersite : a consumer-focused Windows much like Windows RT, a release based on the x86 codebase, and a traditional Enterprise version. According to Microsoft, all three will bring Xbox One and Windows interfaces closer together.Although it didn't use the word "Threshold," Microsoft did release more information on the "next version of Windows," which is likely the aforementioned update. Said version will allow users to run floating Metro apps on the desktop, and also bring back the Start menu, although the latter addition will likely be consigned to Windows on desktops.

Mike Mahardy is a freelance writer for various outlets, and is currently reading Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. To hear his thoughts, you can follow Mike on Twitter