Windows 10 Coming This Summer

Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system will be available this summer in 190 countries and 111 languages, the software giant said this week.

Microsoft did not reveal an exact rollout date for what it has called its most comprehensive software platform ever.

"We continue to make great development progress and shared today that Windows 10 will be available this summer in 190 countries and 111 languages. Windows has always been global with more than 1.5 billion users around the world and here in China hundreds of millions of PCs operate Windows today," Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Microsoft's operating systems group, wrote in a blog post, referring to Microsoft's presentation at the Windows Hardware Engineering Community (WinHEC) summit in Shenzhen, China.

Myerson's news came amidst announcements about new strategic partnerships and Windows 10 customizations for smartphones in the Chinese market. At WinHEC, Redmond revealed new alliances that will help Windows 10 reach customers in China and worldwide.

Deals with Lenovo, Tencent, and Qihu 360 promise upgraded services, new phones, and universal apps for multiple hardware platforms ranging from mobile devices to PCs. Lenovo also announced a commitment to build Windows phones, expected later this year via China Mobile.

Top Chinese smartphone distributor Xiaomi also got in on the action, offering a group of Xiaomi Mi 4 power users a chance to test the Windows 10 Technical Preview and provide feedback ahead of its release.

"China is a global epicenter for innovation and we're excited to be working with the area's leading hardware and software companies to develop ground-breaking devices and consumer experiences that will help shape the future of Windows 10," Myerson said.

On stage at Tuesday's WinHEC summit, Redmond also introduced Windows Hello —biometric authentication that uses your face, iris, or fingerprint to log into upgraded devices.

Using a combination of special hardware and software to accurately verify that you are in fact you, Windows Hello opens saved applications, content, and online experiences without the need for a password.

Microsoft in September revealed the next version of Windows, jumping from Windows 8.1 directly to Windows 10, which will work across all devices, including phones, tablets, 2-in-1s, laptops, and desktops.

Rolling out as a free upgrade for those currently running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1, the new OS will come with Cortana on the desktop, the revamped Project Spartan Web browser, and Windows Holographic.

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With a few more tricks up its sleeve, the tech giant on Tuesday revealed plans for an Internet of Things-friendly version of Windows 10, which will be made available for a range of devices thanks to partners like the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Intel, Qualcomm, and others.

Myerson also tipped the Qualcomm DragonBoard 410C—the first Windows 10 developer board with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, and powered by the Snapdragon 410 chipset.

"I can't wait to see how amazing companies around the world will continue to innovate with devices running Windows 10," Myerson said. "Working together I know we can create some incredible experiences with Windows 10 that will truly delight our customers."

For more, see PCMag's Hands On with the Windows 10 Technical Preview for Phones.