On 21 January 2015, at a press and analyst event in Redmond Satya Nadella, Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Operating Systems Group, Joe Belfiore, corporate vice president, Operating Systems Group, and Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, among others, gave media a deeper look into Windows 10.
According to Microsoft, its latest Windows operating system has been designed to work across PCs, notebooks, tablets and smartphones. ‘Universal’ apps will work across any Windows device, so users can pick up where they left off when transitioning from computer to mobile.
At the event, Microsoft revealed that users already using Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Window Phone 8.1 will offered an option to obtain a free upgrade to Windows 10 within the first year after the OS launches. Windows 10 also represents the start of ‘Windows as a service”, with Microsoft promising to keep the OS up to date for the life of a customer’s device, at no extra charge. Enterprise customers will be offered more longer-term support, including enhanced security updates.
According to Telecompaper, other new features include integration with Windows of Cortana, the personal assistant software already available for Windows phones, and the launch of a new web browser, code named ‘Project Spartan’. In addition Windows 10 will come with new apps for Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People & Messaging, and Mail & Calendar, and Microsoft will release new versions of its Office applications for Windows 10. An Xbox app will also allow users to stream games from the Xbox console to a Windows computer or tablet.
In addition to the reveal of Windows 10, Microsoft also presented two new devices. Microsoft HoloLens, which is a new computing platform that can turn Windows apps into three-dimensional holographic images and interact with the user through a series of advanced sensors. For business environments, Microsoft also revealed the Surface Hub, which is a large screen that features cameras, sensors and mics to support conferencing and presentations.
According to the company, it has been testing the new Windows 10 platform since last September, through its Windows Insiders programme. Around 1.7 million people have joined the programme and provided over 800,000 pieces of feedback.
According to PC World, Microsoft’s will also be integrating Xbox capabilities into the operating system. The new Xbox app essentially looks like a more fully fleshed-out version of SmartGlass, letting you chat with your Xbox Live friends, view your achievements and access game DVR clips. The app also lets you like, share, and comment on game clips.
Darryl Linington
