Microsoft recently released the consumer preview of Windows 10 with some sweeping changes to the earlier versions. We feel, it may be the best Windows to be released by Microsoft.
For starters, it’s free if you upgrade within a year of its release. With this announcement, Microsoft moved away from its earlier policy of releasing Windows which had to be purchased each time it came out with a new version. Users on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 will be eligible for a free upgrade.
A second feature called “continuum” also caught our attention. With continuum, Microsoft seeks to simplify the experience on laptops and touch devices. Windows will now tailor the user interface based on the device being used. For example, on hybrid devices, Windows 10 will transit between keyboard/mouse and touch/tablet after detecting the input method and conveniently switch to the new mode.
In addition to all this, Windows 10 will now ship on mobile devices. There will be no more Windows Phone from now on, everything will just be Windows. Microsoft has also combined the code of Windows and Windows Phone which makes it easier for developers to just make one app that will work across devices. This will help Windows Phone to overcome the problem related to the lack of apps that has been its pain point for a long time. Microsoft has already released a brand new Office version that will run across devices and offer the same functionality and interface. Microsoft is also offering several built-in apps for Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People & Messaging, and Mail & Calendar that have the same look and feel. Also, all these apps will use OneDrive to sync data across devices.
There are some new improvements also: a single Settings panel to change stuff across the system; Project Spartan to replace the Internet Explorer, the ability to stream Xbox games directly from your Xbox One to your phone, tablet or desktop. Cortana has also received some major improvements and is now deeply integrated within Windows 10.
There’s more – Microsoft also released the HoloLens which is the world’s first untethered holographic computer and doesn’t need a connection to a phone, PC or a device. It also allows users to create, access information, enjoy entertainment, and communicate in new and exciting ways by displaying holographic images in altered reality.
With so many announcements, the future of computing in general and Microsoft in particular looks very exciting.
