Microsoft has announced the latest version of its famous Windows operating system, which it is calling it Windows 10.
There's no real explanation as to why Microsoft has decided to skip out on Windows 9, given that the previous two iterations of its software were named Windows 7 and Windows 8. Perhaps it will eventually turn out to be a terribly embarrassing counting mistake and we'll all have a jolly good laugh about it.
Windows 10 will be a universal operating system that will run on a broad range of devices, including phones, and will have one application store for all of these devices.
In terms of looks, it initially appears to be a cross between Windows 7 and Windows 8. As promised, the Start button has returned, which will be universally declared as a pleasing move by Microsoft. The search function that pops up inside the Start menu when you click the Start button will now extend beyond searching the device itself and will conduct web searches too.
Windows users on PC may get access to the same apps as those running Windows 10 on other devices, but they will get a traditional desktop experience, thanks to Windows 7 snap-window features and a toolbar running underneath the screen.
The reason for this is to get desktop users multi-tasking more efficiently. A new Task View button on the toolbar minimises all ongoing activities into one view on the screen for a different perspective. You can also have multiple desktops with different apps running in different areas, and switch between them at the touch of a button.
A touch view with a tiled Start screen will also remain, both for users who got acquainted with Windows 8 and for those with convertible hardware, including Microsoft's own Windows Surface devices, which can shapeshift between tablet and laptop forms.
Microsoft is very much pushing the platform towards business and enterprise users. It was a very early build that the company showed off today and its main hope for now is getting developers on board through the new Windows Insider Program. Windows 10 will be available following Microsoft's Build conference, due to be held in April next year.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
