Update: Microsoft has confirmed that there will be seven versions of Windows 10, spanning from displayless IoT devices to fully-fledged workstations. Servers and big-iron machines will be served byWindows Server 2016. More before our"cut to the chase" section.WithWindows 8and todayWindows 8.1, Microsoft tried – not entirely successfully – to deliver an operating system (OS) that could handle the needs of not only number-crunching workstations and high-end gaming rigs, but touch-controlled systems from all-in-one PCs forthe family and thin-and-light notebooks down to slender tablets.When Microsoft pulled the curtain back on Windows 10 back in September of 2014, it was clear that, with an operating system optimized for PCs, tablets and phones in unique ways, the Redmond, Wash.-based firm was onto something. Skipping the Windows 9 name entirely, Microsoft issueda public preview of the shiny new OS later that autumn, known as Windows TechnicalPreview (WTP).You can try it out for yourself through Microsoft'sWindows Insider Program(nearly four million have, as of May 2015). You'll need a Microsoft account to get it, and it's worth bearing in mind that it's not the finished product, so it will be a bit rough around the edges.*.Is the new OS any good? Read our hands onWindows 10 reviewSince then (and one more major reveal event in January 2015), new features have been rolling in with each preview build update. Now, with Microsoft's huge annualdeveloper event, Build 2015, behind us, wewere served up a bunch of Windows 10 news that you can dig through below. But before that, here are the most important bits of info from the past week:Microsoft issued a preview of howWindows 10 will work on small tablets. The OS will operate using a tiled interface, much like Windows 10 for phones, but will also support desktop-grade Win32 apps when connected to a larger display. The company also recently revealed that Windows 10 will have support foremojis that depict the middle finger, not to mention that its race-neutral shade for emojis will be gray.*.How willWindows 10 work with Android apps?Redmond also finally issues a preview of howWindows 10 will cater uniquely to enterpriseusers during its inaugural Igniteconference in Chicago. Essentially, IT users will have further control over updates and the ability to remotely install features and services on Windows 10 devices. And finally (and sadly), Windows 10 will mark the end of Windows Media Center – the app will not make it into the new OS, and no replacement or successor is in the works.Seven shades of Windows 10Windows 10 will be available in7 versions, far more than one would have expected inthe first place. While IoT, Mobile, Home, Enterprise and Professional were already confirmed, Mobile Enterprise and Education were unexpected. In comparison, there were only four versions of Windows 8.1 (five if you include Windows Phone 8) and one of them was Windows RT.Microsoft clarified the free upgrade offer for Windows 10, adding that Windows 10 Home and Pro will be available for free to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users that have appropriate licenses (presumably, Windows 8.1 Home users will only be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Home).Cut to the chase*.What is it?A complete update for Windows*.When is it out?Definitely summer, but likely late July 2015*.What will it cost?For Windows 7 and 8.1 users, it will be free for one yearThe highlights from Build 2015While we didn't get that coveted Windows 10 release date or a look at the first ever Windows 10 devices, Microsoft did offer quite a few meaty nuggets of info during itsBuild 2015conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif.On Day Two of the conference, Microsoft didn't have as much big news to offer up. It's not necessarily surprising, given the developer bent of the show, but nevertheless deflating. That said, a few interesting developments did come out of the second keynote.For starters, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 is now available on the Raspberry Pi 2 micro computer and Intel Minnowboard Max. Some specific tailoringhad to be done to fit the operating system on these tiny machines, resulting in this version of OS earning the nameWindows 10 IoT Core. Folks can test out the special software now, as your feedback is sorely needed.Windows 10This TechRadar editor was pegged over 10years too oldThen, Microsoft showed off a demo website showing the company's Machine Learning and face recognition platforms at work. CalledHow-old.net, the goofy site takes photos of people and, based on several factors, attempts to guess how oldthose people are. It's not exactly foolproof, but it's also just a demo.Finally, we got some qualityhands on timein with Edge, Microsoft's official name for the Windows 10 browser. It doesn't yet have those fancy features that were shownoff on the Build 2015 stage, but we were able to play with the Inking and sharing features. The early verdict? Unsurprisingly, it needs a lot of work.On the first day, Microsoft EVP of OperatingSystems Terry Myerson surprised the crowd when he announced that Windows 10 will support apps written foriOS and Android. That is, with some reworking, of course. Still, this will undoubtedly blow theWindows 10 app store wide open.Windows 10Joe Belfiore showing off Continuum in Windows 10 for phonesWhen Microsoft Corporate VP of Operating Systems hit the stage, he immediately dove into a host of minor –but very welcomed – tweaks to the Windows 10 interface design. First, the Live Tiles within the new Start menu are now animated as they were in Windows 8 to bring it more life. Second, that same Start menu is now slightly translucent, much like window panes were in Windows 7 through its Aero Glass feature.Belfiore then went into changes that are incoming to the Windows 10 lock screen. He detailed some updates to the Spotlight feature, a more service-driven, personalized and lively take on the lock screen. In Windows 10, this screen will allow users to choose what kind of imagesappear on that dynamic screen by choosing their favorites.More importantly, Spotlight in Windows 10will suggest apps and tools that users maynot yet have used yet. Belfiore used the example of Cortana, Microsoft's voice-based virtual assistant. If a user had yet to use the feature on a fresh install of Windows 10, the system will soon recommend that he or she check it out andmake that easy to with some custom buttons.Windows 10A serious close-up of Microsoft EdgeSpeaking of which, Cortana will soon serveup information based on how people search the web and how they use their PCs. The Cortana interface will also serve up suggestions for new apps based on what people search for, too. Finally, Cortana will be able to interact with apps through just voice control – Belfiore on stage had the tool send someone a message through Viber without pressing abutton.Then Belfiore let loose the official name forProject Spartan, the new and improved default browser for Windows 10: Microsoft Edge. He than went on the detail the New Tab, a more interactive page for the "new tab" function used a billion times a day by browser users. The new, New Tab will feature a search bar followed by a collection of the top sites that you visit, below that will be a collection of news stories by partner websites, not to mentionweather, suggested apps and a sports ticker.Finally, Belfiore detailed how Microsoft's Continuum works on Windows 10 for phones. After hooking a Windows phone up to a monitor using mini HDMI and connecting a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, the interface on the phone immediately adapted to the new environment in a desktop orientation.Windows 10
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