SAN FRANCISCO — Sept. 30, 2014 — Microsoft
Corp. on Tuesday unveiled its next Windows operating system, Windows
10, and gave a first look at an early technical preview for the PC
available Oct. 1. The announcement highlighted advancements designed for
business, including an updated user experience and enhanced security
and management capabilities. The company also introduced the Windows
Insider Program, kicking off its 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 10 and a steady stream of builds through
the development cycle to use and give feedback on.
“Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of
Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work,
play and connect,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the
Operating Systems group at Microsoft. “This will be our most
comprehensive operating system 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.”
Technical preview PC productivity
The early technical preview of Windows 10 demonstrates new levels of
flexibility, navigation and familiarity through the Windows experience.
Features include these:
- Expanded Start menu. The familiar Start menu is back, providing quick one-click access to the functions and files that people use most, and it includes a new space to personalize with favorite apps, programs, people and websites.
- Apps that 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 users to maximize, minimize and close with a click.
- Snap enhancements. Working in multiple apps at once is easier and more intuitive with snap improvements. A new quadrant layout allows up to four apps to be snapped on the same screen. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping, and it will 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 desktop 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.
Get your hands on Windows 8.1