Windows 10 Release

Windows 10 is being released around the world on the 29th July. After the not so successful Windows 8 and 8.1, the Windows 9 name has been skipped completely and Windows 10 is an operating system optimized for PC’s, tablets and phones. It is thought that not a versions of the new operating system will be released on this date but will release versions for desktop and laptop devices first, then after releases will be made for phones, the Xbox One, and HoloLens

Cost

Upgrades to Windows 10 for Windows 7 and 8 users is free for the first year (however due to the number of devices using the OS, it is thought that Microsoft may continue to offer free upgrades after the first year).

Some of the New Features:

Start Menu

Windows 10 will see the return of the much missed start menu with updated graphics and the addition of live tiles.

Browser

Microsoft’s new browser that ships with Windows 10 will be called Edge (currently called Project Spartan) and it will be compatible with Chrome and Firefox extensions.

Cortana

The digital assistant that is already on Windows phones will now be available for PC and tablets. Cortana will sit next to the start button on the desktop and also integrate with Edge.

Continuum

Continuum mode is for 2 in 1 devices that can automatica y change mode if it detects there is suddenly no keyboard attached. This means the OS moves easily between laptop (keyboard/mouse) and tablet (touch) usage modes automatica y

HoloLens

Windows 10 will be the first holographic computing platform. A set of APIs will mean developers can create holographic experiences in the real world.

Universal Apps

Microsoft is developing special versions of its key apps, like Office, for Windows 10 phones and tablets under 8 inches.

Apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook will look and feel nearly identical to their desktop counterparts, but be optimized for touch and screen size. Apps including Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People & Messaging and Mail & Calendar will look and feel the same across different devices and screen sizes. The data will also be saved and sync automatica y via OneDrive.

The new Photo app co ects images from both local and cloud storage, removing duplicates and enhancing photos automatica y.

Xbox One

Not only will the Xbox One get Windows 10, Windows 10 will come with the Xbox app which has features like the ability to control the Xbox One and a DVR capture for any Windows games.

You will also be able to play multiplayer games cross-platform between Xbox One and PC. Windows 10 will support the ability to stream games from the Xbox Box

Command Prompt

For those that use the command prompt it is now getting keyboard shortcut so you will be able to paste in your commands.

Enhancements

Since Windows 10 runs across a devices, the OS will have unified settings. That means the end of separate control panel and PC settings. There’s also the Action Center now provides notifications and is synchronised across devices.