Windows 10 release date July 29, 2015
Windows 10 is Microsoft's first major operating systems upgrade since Windows 8 was introduced in 2012. Windows runs on more than 91% of the world's computers.
Microsoft's Windows 10 will be released to the mass market on July 29th, 2015. Already many of you who are on Windows 7 and Windows 8 have seen an icon appear on your task bar to reserve your subscription. (Cost? see Windows 10 free to existing Windows 7 and 8 users below)
"The reason for adding reservations is two-fold. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, Microsoft is spreading the load on its servers, by allowing the 3GB Windows 10 download to be installed gradually beforehand by users that opt-in to the reservation scheme.
By opting into the reservation now, you’re essentially allowing Microsoft to begin downloading (but not installing) the OS to your PC prior to the release on 29th July so it can be installed instantly."
If you wait until July 29th then you will be a part of the first day rush and with such a large download (3 GB) hitting the Windows Update site expect slow downloads if you are able to download at all.
It's been 6 years since Windows 7 was released and much has changed in the way people use computing, namely the use of smartphones and tablets. Windows 8 marked a shift towards incorporating a new interface that could mesh the various devices and represent one interface for all. However it was poorly received by many users especially traditional desktop users because it did away with the features users were familiar with and left many wondering how to navigate their computer to accomplish their work.
Microsoft engineers went back to the labs and have developed a new operating system that will be intuitive to use for Windows 7 users but still incorporate the modern features of Windows 8 and more.
Microsoft has brought back the Start Menu which was the beginning point of all Windows OSes until Windows 8 and have made it even better. On the left column of the Start Menu are your most used apps, visited folders and newly install software, and you can view all your apps in a single list. The right side of the Start menu is a grid of apps and "live tiles" which show you updates such as weather, social media updates, sports scores and stock prices. If you wish you can expand the Start Menu so that it becomes your desktop background and provides you a tablet or smartphone experience if desired.
Another good thing is Windows 10 boots straight to the desktop. Windows 8 odd tablet layout was confusing to Windows users and Microsoft did away with that. You boot to the desktop and it stays there. The annoying Charms Bar is gone and in it's place is the Windows 10 action center with quick access to handy settings. Microsoft has also included Cortana, it's version of Siri which appears next to the Start Button on the Task Bar.
Windows 10 will be introducing Holograms which along with a companion device "Hololens" enables users to interact with holograms all around them. The Hololens glasses come with a holographic processing chip which processes your gestures, voice and what you are looking at. It can map the environment around you and display the holograms in the air or object that are around you. It allows the user to create objects by voice or gestures and then print them on a 3D printer.
In addition to new features Microsoft has improved on the existing user interface... for instance,
Windows 10 will be introducing Holograms which along with a companion device "Hololens" enables users to interact with holograms all around them. The Hololens glasses come with a holographic processing chip which processes your gestures, voice and what you are looking at. It can map the environment around you and display the holograms in the air or object that are around you. It allows the user to create objects by voice or gestures and then print them on a 3D printer.
In addition to new features Microsoft has improved on the existing user interface... for instance,
"Windows 10 provides some design changes that Windows 7 users will welcome. For example, taskbar icons glow at the bottom when they are opened, but only the app icon that is currently being used is completely highlighted. In Windows 7, all open apps are highlighted, confusingly."
To explore more of the new features available in the Windows 10, please visit,
Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users
"Microsoft operating system chief Terry Myerson announced that current users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to upgrade to the new operating system for free as long as they do so within one year of Windows 10's launch. Once you’ve claimed the upgrade, it's permanent, and Microsoft will keep you updated for the supported lifetime of the device."
