An exact time for Redmond’s big reveal on January 21, 2015, has been announced. Get ready for more Windows 10 news at 9 a.m. PST on that day. Plus, more details have leaked regarding Windows 10, including leaks of Microsoft’s ‘Spartan’ browser.
The general consensus is that Microsoft still has a long way to go to produce a unified OS. Recently, Microsoft publicly took the first steps to doing just that, with Windows 10. Skipping the Windows 9 name entirely, Microsoft aims to step into the next generation of computing with the right foot forward.
You will soon be able to download Microsoft’s Windows 10 Technical Preview by venturing over to its Windows Insider Program website. You’ll need a Microsoft account to get it, and it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s not the finished product so may be a bit rough around the edges. DO NOT install this on your primary computer and expect to format and re-image any system you do install it on. https://insider.windows.com/
While there is still very little information regarding the Windows 10 Road Map, here’s what we know: •The event back on September 30 announced the release of the Technical Preview of Windows 10 for laptops and desktops. This is just over three years after Microsoft unveiled the first public beta build of Windows 8.
- Microsoft announced its Windows Insider Program on October 1st, designed to keep early adopters up to date with the latest preview builds of Windows 10.
- Starting with Technical Preview for laptops and desktops, the preview build will extend to servers shortly thereafter.
- As of October 7, the preview build is available to Windows 7 users as well.
- The Technical Preview will end sharply on April 15, which conveniently leaves right off at…
- Microsoft’s Build 2015 conference in April, at which the company will talk more about Universal Apps and likely issue a Windows 10 release date.
- Finally, the company promises that Windows 10 will ship to consumers and enterprise “later in the year” in 2015.
How much will it cost? One thing Microsoft has been absolutely mum about is how much Windows 10 will cost. While the company has yet to say anything concrete, we now know a bit more about how Microsoft is thinking – or rather, rethinking – how it will generate dollars from this go ’round.
According to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner “We’ve got to monetize it differently,”. “And there are services involved,” he continued. “There are additional opportunities for us to bring additional services to the product and do it in a creative way. And through the course of the spring and summer we’ll be announcing what that business model looks like.”
The most recent report may be totally wrong, but the word is that Windows 8.1 users will have access to the Windows 10 upgrade at no charge. Softpedia reports that, meanwhile, owners of Windows 7 and older will have to pay up to get the new OS. (Also, Microsoft has confirmed that the two most recent Windows versions will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 directly.)
Cortana warping over to Windows 10? That’s right, Windows 10 will see Cortana, Microsoft’s Siri and Google Now competitor, available in all versions of the new OS, including desktops, laptops and tablets.
The Bottom Line:
What is it? A complete update of Windows
When is it out? It will launch “later in the year” in 2015
What will it cost? No clue. Microsoft will not comment on pricing yet.
So tune in this Wednesday the 21st at 9am PST: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/microsoft-sets-time-for-windows-10-live-stream-1280640
