In a surprising move skipping Windows 9 Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled the next version of Windows Windows 10. VPC
The Start menu in Windows 10.(Photo Microsoft)
SAN FRANCISCO Microsoft has taken the wraps off Windows 10 the next big version of its iconic operating system.
Consumers and businesses won't get it until 2015. After unveiling a sneak peek to the press on Tuesday Microsoft today is making available a technical preview for IT professionals and other very experienced computer users who apply for the company's Windows Insider program.
Here's what we know now about Windows 10
IT WILL BE ON ALL SORTS OF DEVICES
Microsoft is talking about a unified version of Windows that will be tailored for a broad spectrum of devices PCs of course and tablets and phones. But also connected everyday appliances known as the Internet of Things. And even eventually its Xbox gaming console. The idea is that there will be a familiar framework that will be tailored depending on whether you are using Windows on a small screen like a phone or tablet or on a larger screen computer or even an 80 inch TV.
WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR ME
That really depends on what version of Windows you are currently using. Earlier this year Microsoft ended support for Windows XP. An XP user who has hung on will certainly find a whole new world. For those on Windows 7 or Windows 8 the new Windows 10 promises to be a good blend of the two that pushes the computing experience even further into the modern age of touchscreen and on the go mobile access.
START MENU LIVE TILES
The Start menu is back along with the familiar taskbar. But now the Start menu will include a customizable space for apps you like and Windows Live Tiles (apps that give you at a glance info new messages say or the latest update from a friend on Facebook).
Microsoft's Joe Belfiore shows an early version of Continuum a feature aimed at making it easy to switch back and forth between tablet mode and laptop mode on 2 in 1 machines.(Photo Nancy Blair USA TODAY)
There will be one Windows Store for apps for tablets phones PCs and more.
It will be easier to work in multiple apps at once. There's a new quadrant layout that allows up to four apps at once to be snapped onto the same screen.
Microsoft also demonstratedan easier way for people who use 2 in 1 tablet/laptop devices to switch back and forth between laptop and tablet modes. It's called Continuum.
WHY MICROSOFT IS SO FOCUSED ON BUSINESS USERS RIGHT NOW
Companies have shied away from Windows 8 in droves. The early rap was that it was just too different from Windows 7 and too focused on touchscreen experiences. Microsoft needs to get companies on board with Windows 10 early and it believes that opening up the development experience will help it do that. And in the past couple of years more and more 2 in 1 laptop/tablet devices have hit the market which means more people are becoming familiar with touchscreen ways of getting work tasks done.
A view of a demo of Windows 10 after the event in San Francisco. Yep that's the geeky command prompt familiar to IT staffers everywhere.(Photo Nancy Blair USA TODAY)
WHAT IS WINDOWS INSIDER AGAIN
Microsoft is opening up a technical preview of Windows 10 for those who are interested in testing it and providing feedback to the company as it continues to work on the new OS. This is not a program aimed at typical consumers but at IT professionals and experienced computer enthusiasts. You can find out more at the preview site preview.windows.com. (In other words Don't try this at home.)
Follow Nancy Blair on Twitter nansanfran.
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