Microsoft unveiled the all-new Windows 10 operating system with major UI changes and new features to bridge the gap between all devices.
It was widely expected that Microsoft would release the latest version of Windows during its media event Tuesday, and the software giant did exactly that, but with a few surprises. First off, the branding of the new Windows was unexpected, as the company named it Windows 10, flushing all rumors of the next OS version to be called Windows 9. The first look at the new OS shows Microsoft's determination to undo all the errors users encountered with Windows 8.
In an official Windows blog, Tuesday, Microsoft announced the Windows 10 operating system after a brief glimpse of it during Tuesday's media event. With the release of the new OS, the Redmond-based software giant is looking to connect various devices, from smartphones to tablets, to PCs and Xbox game consoles.
"Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices - from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise datacenters worldwide. Some of these devices have 4 inch screens - some have 80 inch screens - and some don't have screens at all," the company explained. "Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture - and some devices can switch between input types."
Windows 10 is also the first flagship product under the captainship of CEO Satya Nadella and ensures massive changes in the course of sail. The new Windows 10 OS appears to be a compilation of all the positive features found in previous versions.
The long-overdue Start Menu makes a comeback with the Windows 10 and incorporates customizable Live Tiles for those who loved the Metro style UI in Windows 8. The Start Menu secures its place in the left corner of the screen with a pop-up column of shortcuts like in the older software. The OS will automatically switch to Metro UI when using a convertible device and can switch between desktop and laptop on-the-go.
Microsoft is unifying all of its platforms into one with universal applications. There will be one Windows Store for apps on all platforms and will be designed to run on various devices by adjusting to different screen sizes. The new software also features "snap enhancements," where four apps can be stacked with a new quadrant layout. A new task view button on the taskbar will make it simpler for switching between open files, a feature which was shown in previous leaks.
Another useful feature in Windows 10 can be used for multiple desktops, where users can execute different projects with interference and switch between them easily. There are new additions such as File Explorer, which display recent files and frequently visited folders to help locate important files.
The software giant will open its gates for the Windows Insider Program later this week to allow adventurous developers get early access to the unfinished software. The public release of Windows 10 is expected to happen sometime in 2015, after the company's Build developer conference in April.
