On Tuesday, 30th September 2014, Microsoft announced the next chapter in Windows, Windows 10. This came as a surprise as many expected it to be called Windows 9. Terry Myerson explains that the new Windows is not just an incremental product, but instead a new way of thinking, so calling it Windows 9 would be inappropriate.
“Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect. This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers, and we look forward to working together with our broader Windows community to bring Windows 10 to life in the months ahead.”
– Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, Microsoft
Microsoft needed to make sure Windows 10 was not a failure like Windows 8 was, which sold less copies than infamous Windows Vista. Microsoft has recognised their approach with Windows 8 was wrong and that the technology landscape Windows exists in, is quickly changing. Windows 10 has been designed to deliver familiarity and consistency across all devices as well as being able to deal with the needs of modern businesses.
The current build of Windows 10 delivers on its promise of improved ease-of-use and familiarity. Features include:
- An Expanded Start Menu.
Windows 10 Extended Start Menu. Credit: Microsoft.
The start menu is back for systems that use a keyboard and mouse whilst tablets use a start screen. Live tiles can also be pinned for quick access to apps and information.
- Apps in Windows or Full Screen.
Apps run in Windows or Full Screen. Credit: Microsoft.
Modern Apps now adapt according to the device you’re using. Apps in a desktop environment now behave the same way as traditional desktop applications such as resizing and minimising.
- Improved Snap with up to 4 Quadrants.
Improved Snap. Credit: Microsoft.
Building upon the popular Snap feature in Windows 7, Windows 10 now brings you 4 quadrants to snap windows to instead of 2.
- Multiple Desktops.
Multiple Desktops. Credit: Microsoft.
You can now have multiple desktops in Windows 10, a feature many Linux and Mac users have come accustomed to.
- A New Task View Button.
New Task-view Button. Credit: Microsoft.
A new button has been added to the task bar which gives you a bird’s-eye of all open apps and files. This allows quick switching and access to any created desktop.
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