Microsoft's
Windows 10 operating system (OS) marks a major turning point for the
company. For the first time, the Windows OS will be available for free - for a year after its release for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users.
Microsoft is promising to fully support Windows 10 for the entire life-cycle of the device
(whether it be PC, laptop, tablet, or phone), which is a major shift
from the previous strategy of only offering OS support for a limited
period. This is a major part of the Seattle-based company's increasing
focus on providing services rather than merely a platform.
The best of both worlds for mobile and desktop
By skipping the Windows 9 moniker, Microsoft hopes to make a fresh
start and move on
The Start Menu
The Start Menu is one feature that keyboard and mouse users sorely missed in Windows 8, and Microsoft will please its legion of Windows 7/XP fans by reintroducing (and redesigning) it in Windows 10. The new Start Menu is a kind of hybrid, incorporating the traditional Windows menu (a list-style view) with the Live Tiles of Windows 8. It is completely customizable; you can chose to run it with a different sizes of Live Tiles (small, medium, large) or with none at all. There is also the option to see your most used apps or list them alphabetically. There is even a full screen mode for the menu, which makes sense when you consider that you could be switching between tablet and desktop view on a hybrid device.
The Start Menu is one feature that keyboard and mouse users sorely missed in Windows 8, and Microsoft will please its legion of Windows 7/XP fans by reintroducing (and redesigning) it in Windows 10. The new Start Menu is a kind of hybrid, incorporating the traditional Windows menu (a list-style view) with the Live Tiles of Windows 8. It is completely customizable; you can chose to run it with a different sizes of Live Tiles (small, medium, large) or with none at all. There is also the option to see your most used apps or list them alphabetically. There is even a full screen mode for the menu, which makes sense when you consider that you could be switching between tablet and desktop view on a hybrid device.
Continuum
This isn't the only enhancement Microsoft is making to push the use of hybrid 2in1 devices. A new feature called Continuum will mean that Windows 10 will adopt a particular look and feel on these devices according to the mode you are using (keyboard and mouse, or touch input).
This isn't the only enhancement Microsoft is making to push the use of hybrid 2in1 devices. A new feature called Continuum will mean that Windows 10 will adopt a particular look and feel on these devices according to the mode you are using (keyboard and mouse, or touch input).
Cortana
Microsoft has brought its virtual assistant Cortana (the Siri equivalent for Windows/Windows Phone) to Windows 10. The idea is to allow a more natural interaction with your device, as well as to provide intelligent recommendations based on search history and manually-inputted preferences.
Microsoft has brought its virtual assistant Cortana (the Siri equivalent for Windows/Windows Phone) to Windows 10. The idea is to allow a more natural interaction with your device, as well as to provide intelligent recommendations based on search history and manually-inputted preferences.
Project Spartan
Project Spartan is a new browser that has been built especially for Windows 10. Spartan allows you to directly annotate webpages to easily share your thoughts with friends; a distraction-free reading view; and a simplified article layout.
Project Spartan is a new browser that has been built especially for Windows 10. Spartan allows you to directly annotate webpages to easily share your thoughts with friends; a distraction-free reading view; and a simplified article layout.
Accessing your apps
Apps that are consistent across all devices continues to be a major
focus for Microsoft. The company is working on a touch-friendly version
of their Office suite, as well as a range of Microsoft apps that will
have the same look and feel as each other no matter what device you use.
Windows 10 users can create multiple virtual desktops
to group apps or programs together. To add desktops, users need to
click on the Task View button on the desktop. This allows you to see all
the apps running in your virtual desktops, as well as easily switch between both desktops and apps.
The Snap Assist feature allows you to snap four different apps into
place on your screen enabling you can see them all at once.
Other new additions to Windows 10 include an option to search not
just your system, but also the internet. PC settings have also been made
clearer, simpler, and consistent across all devices; connecting to
audio and wireless has been made easier (either click the “Connect”
button in the new Action Center, or use the Windows + P keyboard
shortcut); and you can easily choose which apps you get notifications
from.
Windows everywhere
Windows 10 is much more user friendly than Windows 8 and will not be such a shock to the system for those upgrading from Windows XP or Windows 7. With the decline in PC sales, Microsoft is shifting its focus to 2in1 devices that can switch between keyboard/mouse and touch modes (think
full screen Start Menu and the Continuum feature). There is also a
strong focus on delivering a consistent experience for all parts of the
OS across devices. With this strategy, Microsoft hopes to push further
into the hybrid device/tablet market, while boosting sales of its mobile
devices.
Notes
Windows 10 is a free upgrade for (most) Windows 7 and Windows 8 users.
Review last updated: 29/07/15
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Pros
- Free to upgrade
- Consistent across devices
- A more natural, customizable experience
- Spartan and Cortana allow for more natural browsing and searches
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