After a major setback with Windows 8, Microsoft is working hard to provide the world with a great operating system. Microsoft’s goals with the Windows 8 operating system were precise, but it didn’t end up working very well. The guys from Microsoft are working so hard day and night to bring the next version of the operating system “Microsoft Windows 10” to the market. The main reason for Microsoft to switch from the name Windows 9 to 10 is to show the immense changes and improvements in its upcoming operating system version.
Many rumors are spreading in the technology industry about Windows 10, which is currently in its testing phase. After hours of surfing the web for these rumors, we’ve learned some interesting news about Windows 10. Here we’ve put together some useful information that covers everything we know about Windows 10 so far.
Technical Preview
A technical preview of the Windows 10 operating system is now available for those who want to try it out. In the following section, you’ll learn what the Windows 10 preview has brought us.
One Product Family, One Platform, One Store
Windows 10 is designed to run on almost all available devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and Xbox. While it may seem like the same thing was said with the case of Windows 8, Windows 10 is designed to adapt to any device and adjust the user experience accordingly. As for the desktop PC, where Windows 8 actually didn’t work, this means a much better user experience that we have with Windows 7; on a tablet PC without a mouse or keyboard, the current Windows 8-like touch interface will be available. Some specifications will not be visible on some devices. For example, there will be no desktop on a smartphone interface.
The Start Menu
As was massively apparent in the run-up to the official declaration, the start menu that everyone had been asking for is back. It contains everything we experience and love about the Start menu, including features like shortcuts for frequently used applications and a typical “search bar”.
There’s even a part of it that can be customized with Windows 8-like Live Tiles and shortcut menus. This is a significant improvement.
It is certain that Microsoft will make some changes with the Live Tiles feature, as shortcuts for the desktop application can appear a bit badly designed and out of place. Folders, applications and desktop programs can all be attached to the Start menu, giving you convenient access to your most frequently used items. Those horrible scrollbars from the rumor pictures are thankfully not shown here and are replaced by much more chic and stylish ones.
Change in the Metro Apps UI
We all know that the Windows store for computers is a big bust. The concept was great, but the implementation was so bad. After bringing Windows 8 to market, they’ve only recently understood this point. Somehow, when they updated Windows 8.1 for the second time, they changed the user interface of Metro Apps. After this update, users are able to minimize the Metro Apps to the taskbar, but we had no control over the size of the Metro Apps toolbar.
In Windows 10 we can use the Metro Apps similarly to the desktop applications. We can resize the windows of Metro applications just like any other typical Windows application.
Notifications Center
In the upcoming Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft will add a new notification center, as known from Windows and Android smartphones. This will allow you to view all your application notifications in one place. Rumor has it that this notification center will be located in the lower right corner.
Task View
There is a new option in the taskbar called Task View. If you press it, you can see a thumbnail of all running applications. It’s exactly the same as the Expose feature of Mac OS X, and that’s a great feature. It’s Microsoft’s way of helping newcomers to get used to multi-tasking and get familiar with it.
Snap Enhancements
The snap function of Windows 7 supports all applications, regardless of whether they are old or new. A fresh layout means you can include four applications on the same screen. A new feature called Snap Assist lets you capture applications from multiple desktops in Task View.
Multiple Desktops
Another business-friendly feature of Windows 10 is the fact that it even has several virtual desktop functions that users can switch between. This is really great news for Windows enthusiasts. Linux and Apple added this feature years ago. The focus is very much on mouse and keyboard, but those who have devices with touch interfaces have not been forgotten.
Price
Despite rumors that Windows 10 might be a free upgrade, Microsoft refused to answer direct questions about the pricing details of Windows 10; especially for those who will be upgrading from Windows XP or 7, saying “We will not (at this time) talk about the entire product family”.
According to an Indonesian news website, Andreas Diantoro, president of Microsoft Indonesia, has stated that Windows 9 (currently 10) will be a free upgrade for all Windows 8 users in Indonesia.
The big question is whether this will also apply to those who use Windows 7 and also Vista or not. We’ll probably have to wait until next year to get an answer.
Microsoft Windows 10: Release Date
Although there is no information about the official release date of Windows 10, Microsoft has confirmed that the operating system will be released later in 2015. It was even said that an official announcement will be made at the Universal Apps on Build 2015 developer conference. The technical preview of the operating system will run until a license date on April 15, 2015.
Below is a video review of the Windows 10 “Technical Preview”. Watch it to learn more about it:
