In a surprise move, Microsoft skipped Windows 9 for its latest operating system. During its press event in San Francisco California on September 30, Microsoft revealed its next operating system called Windows 10.
The follow-up OS is codenamed “Windows Threshold”. The reason for the name skip, according to Microsoft, is because Windows 10 is such a substantial leap. “Windows 10 will run on the broadest amount of devices. A tailored experience for each device,” Terry Myerson Microsoft’s executive VP of operating systems said at a press event in Tuesday. “There will be one way to write a universal application, one store, one way for apps to be discovered purchased and updated across all of these devices.”
The Windows 10 interface looks like a combination Windows 7 and Windows 8 which combines the familiarity of the former and functionality of the latter. The windows button is back but with substantial additions. There are now live tiles within the start menu that can be re sized and configured to the users liking.
Windows 10 is also capable of creating multiple desktops. Applications running in different desktops can be accessed through the taskbar with “task view”. You can snap up to four apps on the same screen for better multitasking. The command prompt is also refreshed with now having the ability to copy & paste.
Microsoft says that the UI still not final and changes are to be expected as it nears the release date. The touch mode is an area that is still vague but according to Microsoft, Windows 10 will be able to adjust dynamically depending on the mode the user is using whether it is keyboard and mouse or touch mode. This feature, according to Microsoft, is one of their focuses since they failed to bring the focus on touch in Windows 8.
They also announced an Insider Program for those who are knowledgeable technical wise of the OS. We’ll probably see more of Windows 10 in Microsoft’s Build conference next spring.
You can check out the Windows 8’s introductory video here.