With Windows 10, Microsoft has simply tried to fix all the mistakes it made in the previous iteration
Microsoft is reportedly looking to launch Windows 10 in June, in time for the back-to-school sales. The software giant revealed more details about its upcoming operating system at the Consumer Preview event last month. When Microsoft launched Windows 8, it was full of bold ideas to take Windows into a whole new direction. But it came as a major disappointment to desktop users.
With Windows 10, the Redmond-based company has simply tried to fix all the mistakes it made with the previous iteration. Let’s take a look at how Windows 10 compares with its predecessor, which was a disaster at best.
The Start screen is gone
The Start screen was one of the most hated features in Windows 8. The Start screen was introduced as a replacement for the familiar Start button and Start menu. Microsoft desperately wanted to show its Live Tiles to the world, which turned out to be a grave mistake. Finally, the Start button will be back with Windows 10. Start menu in the new OS will allow users to access apps; pin websites, contacts and apps into it; and search for content.
No Charms bar in Windows 10
When Microsoft unveiled Windows 8 three years ago, it explained the Charms bar in great detail. But it was hated by most users. Ed Bott of ZDNet says there will be no trace of Charms bar in Windows 10.
An improved multitasking
The Taskbar has a new task-view button to let you quickly switch between open files. You can create multiple virtual desktops for different purposes and switch between them easily. You can pick up where you left off on each virtual desktop. Windows 10 will bring a quadrant layout that lets you snap up to four apps on the same screen.
Use Spartan for web browsing
The age old Internet Explorer, even with its improved versions, is no match for Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox. With Windows 10, Microsoft will launch a new web browser code named ‘Spartan,’ and initial reports suggest that it will be better than rivals.
It has a host of new features. Reading mode will remove all the clutter from the web pages to make it easier to read. Spartan will let you annotate any web pages using stylus, keyboard input or finger. Moreover, there will be a reading list to create ‘read later’ temporary bookmarks.
Classic vs Universal apps
A major problem with Live Tile apps was that they could not be controlled like regular programs. In Windows 8, the Windows Store apps were all full-screen, which was awkward to use on desktop. The forthcoming Windows 10 will allow these apps to run in windowed mode. The Universal apps can be resized, maximized, minimized, moved and closed.
Some of the apps are yet to be made desktop-friendly. But Microsoft is working on it, so all these are expected to be sorted out by the time Windows 10 is released.
Continuum to make Windows 10 interface user-friendly
Windows 8 was developed on the “touch-first” mantra. As a result, the traditional desktop users suffered. Microsoft has tried to solve that problem with Windows 10. Continuum will allow the new OS interface to adapt the interface based on the device it is running on. Devices with less than 8-inch screen size will not have the desktop functionality.
If you use a two-in-one device like Surface, Windows 10 will adapt the desktop functionality when the keyboard is connected. The moment you detach the keyboard, the OS will automatically switch to tablet mode.
An improved Command Prompt
There will be an improved Command Prompt for power users. For a long time, this power tool has lacked basic features such as the ability to copy and paste. But with Windows 10, it will be more powerful than ever before. Besides copy and paste, the improved Command Prompt will support a host of new hot-keys and options.
Flexible security updates
Microsoft will continue to push out security and other important updates. Consumers will get the update via Windows Update as soon as they are available. Businesses will also have the option to ‘opt in’ to a fast-paced update cycle.
A unified app store
Windows 10 will have a unified app store. That means developers can create one app that runs across Windows devices in multiple form factors such as smartphones, tablets and PCs. The software giant will allow bulk app purchases based on the existing identity of businesses. Enterprises can also reclaim or re-use licenses.
With Windows 8, Microsoft made all the mistakes it possibly could. Windows 10 simply what Windows 8 should have been. The forthcoming OS may not be perfect, but it’s a far better choice than Windows 8.
