Windows 10: What’s The Latest News?

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As PC users worldwide await the latest Windows release, Microsoft has confirmed the availability of Windows 10. This ends months of speculation, anticipation and leaks, with the hotly awaited new operating system set to roll out in nearly 200 countries. This incredible variety of locations underlines the importance of this software, but also the extent to which computing has established itself in all four corners of the planet.

Windows 10 to get mega release

Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 will be released in 190 nations and 111 languages on July 29. This was roughly when the operating system was expected by analysts, and it will be a relief to many people dissatisfied with the preceding Windows 8 that the sequel is about to become available.

Windows 10 is a particularly significant software release for Microsoft, as its Windows 8 operating system was not very well received. Windows 8 has been particularly unsuccessful in attracting the business community, and Microsoft was pretty much obliged to significantly overhaul the system as a response.

It was considered a particular oversight by Microsoft that the corporation failed to include the infamous and instantly recognizable Start menu in the Windows 8 release. Users of that particular operating system were instead confronted with a rather confusing front end that won few fans and little praise. Microsoft has therefore already confirmed that the Start menu will be reinstated in Windows 10, and the very name of the operating system is indicative of the fact that Windows 10 will be a major reboot of the Windows concept.

Windows 10 free to all users

Considering that Windows 10 can be considered to be something of a disaster, Microsoft has offered all Windows 7 and Windows 8 users the opportunity to register for a free copy of the new operating system. The software company has informed users that the free Windows 10 upgrade can be automatically claimed by clicking on the Windows 10 looo that should have appeared in the right-hand side of all Windows 7 and Windows 8 taskbars.

Unfortunately, simply clicking this button does not guarantee that a copy of Windows 10 will be available on July 29. As with all major software and hardware releases, there will be exceptional demand for Windows 10, and thus the update will only be rolled out to 4.4 million people who have taken part in the Window Insider program at first.

Once the initial Windows Insiders have gained access to the program, Microsoft will then begin notifying other individuals who have reserved a copy of Windows 10 in tranches. The company reports that this process will scale up once the July 29 launch day has been negotiated successfully. Microsoft has put a relatively sophisticated system in place that involves the company automatically scanning the computers of users to check compatibility, with Windows 10 then being downloaded automatically.

According to Microsoft, if an individual system is not yet ready for a Windows 10 upgrade then the software company will provide more details during the upgrade process. If the issue in question turns out to be massively complicated, it will be necessary in some cases for users to contact an application provider or device manufacturer.

Those people who are intending to update to Windows 10, but have put the idea on the back-burner, should bear in mind that it will not be available for an indefinite period of time. Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 upgrades must be completed within a year of the release date in order to qualify for a free copy. Thus, Windows 7 and Windows 8 users should be aware that this will naturally expire in July next year.

Microsoft has announced that it will eventually charge $119 for the Windows 10 Home edition and $199 for Windows 10 Pro. Users utilizing older versions of the software will have to pay this fee should they fail to download Windows 10 by the indicated date.

Windows 10 to be last ever version

Windows 10 was first announced by Microsoft in April 2014, and although the release is a couple of weeks away, the software remains in public beta testing. Aside from the problems that Microsoft has experienced previously, this is also a significant Windows release, as the company has confirmed publicly that it will be the last ever version of the Windows operating system.

Of course, this does not mean that there will be no further Windows updates, rather that Microsoft will rely on patching the existing system, and possibly charging for functionality in the future.

Microsoft is also intending Windows 10 to be a particularly flexible operating system, as the corporation has already confirmed that there will not be a separate Windows 10 Phone release. Instead, Windows 10 will be utilized across all Microsoft devices, and its even planned for the Xbox One video games console and HoloLens virtual reality system.

In the future, it is also anticipated that Windows 10 will assist with the organization and operation of smart home technology. This is expected to be a major niche and commercial marketplace in the foreseeable future, and there are already provisions within Apple’s iOS 9 operating system for such smart home technology.

Continuum

A new feature included in the software that Microsoft has named Continuum also ensures Windows 10 users with see the classic desktop mode when using a mouse and keyboard, while switching to tablets and smartphones will see it automatically transform into the touchscreen version. With Windows 7 intended to be all things to all people, this is said to offer a much-needed degree of flexibility and user-friendliness. Microsoft is also combining the reinstated Start menu with an overhauled tile system.

Windows Edge

Finally, Microsoft has decided to scrap the Internet Explorer browser, which has become increasingly shunned by regular computer uses in recent years. A brand new web browser, referred to as Microsoft Edge, will attempt to reclaim market share from efforts such as Google’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox and Apple’s Safari. The browser will include Microsoft’s personal assistant tool Cortana, which will pop-up with notifications and act as a search tool.

There is much for PC users to look forward to with regard to Windows 10, and not much longer for many people to wait.

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