Windows 10 ushers in a new era for Microsoft

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Windows 10 is officially available starting today and for free to many exisiting Windows 7 and Windows 8 users in 190 countries who have opted for the update and whose hardware supports the features and capabilities that the much awaited OS offers.

Restoring a lot of the familiarity of the desktop-focused Windows 7 OS from 2009, Windows 10 does bring significant features to exisiting desktop users as well as touchscreen or 2-in-1 devices.

Many exisiting Windows users have received the option of 'reserving' their copy of Windows 10. This has allowed Microsoft to slowly install the necessary files and drivers on those PCs which will receive a staggered rollout to Windows 10 starting today. Microsoft is hoping to get 1 billion devices in the next 2-3 years. 

Windows 10 is also being touted as a single OS that will have the ability to run on PCs, tablets, smartphones and even the XBox One gaming console. A feature called Continuum will automatically optimize the OS to run in the best configuration depending on the connected hardware (i.e. a pared down touch version for tablets, auto-adjusting resolution depending on size of monitor, etc.).

"Windows 10 offers one experience that will become available on the broadest range of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, HoloLens and more — with more than 2,000 devices or configurations already in testing," explains Microsoft.

Also on board is Cortana, the voice assistant that was the lynchpin feature of Windows Phone 8.1. Cortana is deeply integrated into Windows 10 and offers universal search capabilities as well as a new way to interact with the desktop by opening apps, searching for documents and enabling web searches through voice.

Microsoft's Myerson:"“A new era of Windows starts today.'“A new era of Windows starts today. From the beginning, Windows 10 has been unique — built with feedback from over 5 million fans, delivered as a service and offered as a free upgrade,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group, at Microsoft. “Windows 10 delivers on our more personal computing vision, with a natural, mobile and trusted experience. Along with our partners, we’re excited to deliver the best Windows ever, which will empower people and organizations around the world to do great things.”

Microsoft has undergone massive change in the past year and a half. The company, it seems, is still reeling from decisions made during former and longtime CEO Steve Ballmer's regime.

Windows 10, the first major and all-encompassing release since Satya Nadella took over, represents a new beginning and clean slate for the software juggernaut who seems to be refocusing its efforts into creating a version of Windows that will appeal to all of its customers.

How the upgrade will happen

Upgrading to Windows 10 is easy for customers running a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC or tablet. Starting Wednesday, people who reserved their upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified in waves when their upgrade is ready to be installed. For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within their work environments, and starting Aug. 1, organizations that have volume licensing can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Customers buying a new or recent PC will have the update installed or at least be guaranteed an update when available. Microsoft will also sell versions of Windows 10 on a USB stick in some stores.

Retail partners are ready to help people upgrade to Windows 10 with our largest tech bench program ever, including more than 100,000 trained retailers and tens of thousands of stores around the world. Free upgrade programs will be available Wednesday, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores around the world between mid-August and September. Devices running Windows 10 will be available in some retail stores on Wednesday, with many, many more devices to become available in the weeks and months ahead.

Microsoft has also worked closely with retailers to introduce programs to help people easily upgrade, including Best Buy, Bic Camera, Croma, Currys/PC World, Darty, Elkjøp, Fnac, Jarrir, Incredible Connection, Media Markt, Staples, Yamada Denki, Yodobashi and many more leading retailers from around the world.

Information on upgrading, new and compatible devices, and apps for Windows can be found athttp://www.windows.com. Additional information and media assets are available at http://blogs.windows.com/launch.