Microsoft’s departure from Windows 8 is so dramatic that it needed to skip a number. The software maker introduced Windows 10 to the world on Tuesday in a presentation to a select few members of the press.
The number one takeaway from the Windows 10 introduction is that Microsoft is trying to blend the changes it brought in with Windows 8 with the familiar user interface of Windows 7. The Start Menu is back as leaked images of the operation have shown, and it’s a hybrid between the traditional Start button and the Windows 8 Live Tile Start menu.
There’s a push to make the operating system work across all devices. The accompanying press release makes clear that the company is aiming for smartphones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and other gadgets.
“Windows 10 adapts to the devices customers are using — from Xbox to PCs and phones to tablets and tiny gadgets — and what they’re doing with a consistent, familiar and compatible experience, enabling even greater productivity. Windows 10 will run across the broadest range of devices ever from the Internet of Things to enterprise datacenters worldwide. Microsoft is also delivering a converged application platform for developers on all devices with a unified app store. Developers will be able to write an application once and deploy it easily across multiple device types, making discovery, purchase and updating easier than ever for customers.”
Other improvements include the ability to run an app from the Windows Store in a window on the desktop, plus enhancements to the Windows 7 snap feature. Windows 10 will also introduce multiple desktops so that you can have all your work applications running on one and switch to your personal applications on another. I’m sure kids will love using that to hide playing games and such from parents.
Microsoft is launching a technical preview starting Wednesday, October 1. Those interested in downloading and trying out Windows 10 should sign up for the Windows Insider Program . The developers behind the operating system hope to get feedback from the technically inclined to make the latest version of Windows the best yet.
“Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Operating Systems group at Microsoft. “This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers, and we look forward to working together with our broader Windows community to bring Windows 10 to life in the months ahead.”
No details were announced about pricing. The release of Windows 10 is still months out, but a Microsoft exec recently stated that it would be a free upgrade from Windows 8 .
What do you think of Microsoft’s approach to Windows 10? Is it a big improvement over Windows 8? Let us know in the comments below.
[Images via Microsoft ]