Microsoft reveals Windows 10

Microsoft has opened the curtains on Windows 10. IT News Africa was given a Technical Preview of Microsoft’s upcoming Windows operating system, which revealed that Windows 10 will be designed for business as well as consumers and includes an updated user experience. Microsoft also revealed that Windows 10 will offer enhanced security and management capabilities.
With the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft also revealed the Windows Insider Program (WIP), kicking off their largest ever open collaborative development effort to change the way Windows is built and delivered to best meet the needs of customers. Program participants will receive the technical preview of Windows XX and a steady stream of builds through the development cycle to use and give feedback on.
Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Operating Systems group at Microsoft stated that: “Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to allow customers new ways to work, play and connect. This will be our most comprehensive OS 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.”
Windows 10: What happened to Windows 9?
At the reveal, Microsoft stated that the reason why Microsoft skipped out on branding the operating system Windows 9 was due to the fact that the upcoming operating system is a “Next-Gen Operating System.” Some of the latest features of Windows 10 can be found below:
Familiarity and Consistency Across Devices
At the technical preview, Microsoft revealed that Windows 10 now adapts to the device that individuals are using – from Xbox to PCs, phones to tablets and tiny gadgets – and what they’re doing with a consistent, familiar and compatible experience, enabling even greater productivity. Windows 10 will run across the broadest range of devices ever from the Internet of Things to enterprise data centers worldwide. Microsoft is also delivering a converged application platform for developers on all of these devices with a unified app store. Developers will be able to write an application once and deploy it easily across multiple device types, making discovery, purchase and updating easier than ever for customers.


Designed for the Challenges of Modern Business
According to Microsoft, Windows 10 builds nearly everything that businesses need, right into the core of the product – including enterprise-grade security, identity and information protection features. “One area of advancement is in the work we’ve done with user identities that improve resistance to breach, theft or phishing.” the company stated. Windows 10 will also help advance data loss prevention by using containers and data separation at the application and file level, enabling protection that follows the data wherever it goes.
Management and deployment has been simplified to help lower costs, including in-place upgrades from Windows 7 or 8 that are focused on making device wipe-and-reload scenarios obsolete. Businesses will also have the flexibility now to choose how quickly they adopt the latest innovations, as well as influence continued improvements based on their feedback. Additionally, organisations will be able to customise a store specific to their needs and environment. The app store will allow for volume app licensing, flexible distribution and the ability for organisations to reclaim or re-use licenses when a company employee has left his position.

Technical Preview PC Productivity
The early Technical Preview of Windows 10, according to Microsoft,  demonstrates new levels of flexibility, navigation and familiarity through the Windows experience, such as:
Expanded Start Menu: The familiar Start menu is back providing quick one-click access to the functions and files that people use most, and includes a new space to personalise with favourite apps, programs, people, and websites.
Apps run in a window: Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing for maximise, minimise, and close with a click.
Snap enhancements: Working in multiple apps at once is easier and more intuitive with snap improvements. Have up to four apps snapped on the same screen with a new quadrant layout. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping and even make smart suggestions on filling available screen space with other open apps.
New Task View button: The new task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files allowing for quick-switching, and one-touch access to any desktops created.
Multiple desktops: Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it’s easy to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects—whether for work or personal use, or both.
Open and Collaborative Development
Microsoft demonstrated a continued commitment to work closely with customers to help shape the future of Windows with the introduction of the Windows Insider Program. Windows Insiders will be able to engage in a two way dialog with the company, giving feedback on early builds of the product throughout the development cycle. The program will include various ways for Windows Insiders to engage with Microsoft including a Windows Feedback app for the sharing of suggestions and issues, as well as a Windows Technical Preview Forum to interact with Microsoft engineers and fellow Insiders. More information on WIP and the technical preview can be found here.

Windows 10 is looking promising; however, Microsoft will need to iron out the bugs from Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 for users who choose not to upgrade. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 is expected to land within Fall 2015; however, this can change during the development phase.