Yeah, I've seen both of those rumors; I though MS has pretty well confirmed the Windows 8.1 Update 1 and Update 2 plans (with the start menu returning and the Modern-in-a-Window functionality both for Update 2 later this year.)

Both are already available via third party tools, of course.

Corporate adoption of Windows 8/8.1 has been basically nil on regular desktops/laptops anywhere I've seen, although it's been reasonably popular on the small number of hybrid tablets and (internal/insecure) kiosk machines I've seen. So a more corporate-friendly Windows 9 would make a lot of sense.