Windows 10: 9 Killer Features
Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system is in the tech spotlight. Here's what we learned about each feature released during its Jan. 21 event.
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Microsoft did not fail to impress during its Jan. 21 Windows 10 event, during which the company showcased further details on its operating system set for full release later in 2015. While many announcements confirmed early rumors, the tech giant also had a few surprises up its sleeve.
Windows 10 was designed with the help of 1.7 million Windows insiders, who were responsible for reviewing various builds of the OS. Insiders provided 800,000 pieces of feedback on more than 200,000 topics regarding Windows 10 -- and the system is still in the works.
The day's announcements revolved around the central idea of moving from enabling single-device interaction to providing a more personalized computing experience to individuals and corporations. Microsoft's Terry Myerson, the executive vice president of the company's Operating System Group (OSG), described 3 areas of innovation that took priority throughout Windows 10 development:
Mobility of experience: With the number of devices exploding all around us, it should be easy to put down one device and pick up the other where you left off.
Trust: People care more about their privacy, and the new OS gives the user greater control.
Natural interaction: "Interacting with technology should be as natural as interacting with people," said Myerson.
[Missed the Windows 10 event? Read our recap.]
A key priority moving forward will be the seamless integration of Windows devices. Users will be able to transition from PC to tablet mode on hybrid devices by removing the keyboard and mouse.
Microsoft seems to be pushing the importance of security, a growing priority for both consumers and businesses. "It's important that our customers' privacy is protected, and they trust the devices and their experiences," Myerson said, also noting that Windows 10 will "protect corporate data" better than ever.
To attract new users to Windows 10, Microsoft is offering free upgrades. Users with devices running Windows 7, Windows 8.1,or Windows Phone 8.1 will receive the new OS at no charge for the first year it is available. Further, Windows 10 will be available as a service, and Microsoft will keep the experience current for the supported lifetime of the device.
Microsoft will release a new build of Windows 10 for desktops to its insiders within a week of the Jan. 21 event. Myerson also confirmed earlier predictions that the first build for the mobile version of Windows 10 will debut in February.
Click through the gallery to learn more about what's coming to Windows desktops and phones.
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New "universal" versions of Microsoft apps will be available on PCs, tablets, and smartphones. All the apps will combine to create a form of Office specific to Windows 10 that fits to scale on various screen sizes. Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint have been revamped for Windows 10 devices. As part of delivering a consistent Office experience, users' recent documents will be available on each device.
The creation of universal apps is important for attracting developers to the new OS because they can be easily deployed across multiple devices. In addition, all apps will be available within a single Windows store.
Microsoft is making life easier for owners of hybrid devices with its new Continuum feature, which will run on Windows 10 devices that have a touchscreen and support a mouse and keyboard. Users disconnect the mouse and keyboard to enter the touch-friendly tablet mode and cause open apps to become full-screen. When the supporting accessories are reconnected, or the laptop is flipped around, the OS will enter desktop mode. If it works as described, Continuum should provide an easier, more seamless experience for convertible and hybrid devices.
Windows' interface has gotten another makeover. In addition to redesigned icons, Microsoft has introduced a modernized Start menu. Those who prefer the Windows 8.1 experience can opt to view the full Start screen; those who miss Windows 7 can choose to view a menu that more closely resembles the older OS.
Microsoft's personal digital assistant, Cortana, will soon be available on the desktop with powerful notification and search capabilities specific to PC users. Belfiore carried on a conversation with Cortana and demonstrated how the assistant can send email and answer specific questions. When he asked about college tuition, she didn't skip a beat in her answer.
PC users can ask Cortana to dig up specific PowerPoint slides or documents stored within the hard drive or OneDrive. It can also launch apps, start and pause music, and make jokes. Cortana seemed partial to the idea of the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl.
Cortana is cloud-based and will learn continuously as the Bing engine improves. Users have full control over what Cortana knows and the information that it can access.
Move over, Internet Explorer. Microsoft has unveiled a new browser, codenamed Project Spartan, which will have a new look and feel. Belfiore demonstrated the browser on a PC, but it will be available on all devices running Windows 10.
Project Spartan was created with the intent of boosting user productivity through three key features. The first of these is note-taking mode, which lets users draw directly on a webpage with a finger or stylus and save their work. Users can also collaborate with others by adding notes and comments. Collaborations are synced to OneDrive.
Another notable feature is reading mode, which lets users rearrange webpages to suit their personal reading preference. It also provides the option of creating a reading list that will sync across devices as part of a core browsing experience.
Cortana will also be available in the new browser to help with search. As users type a query, Cortana scans the Web for detailed information. For example, when asked about a restaurant, she provided directions, hours, and dietary information.
Gamers will be happy to learn that Windows 10 for Xbox has been designed to be more social. Every Windows 10 PC and tablet will come with the Xbox app, which allows players to chat via voice and text on Xbox Live. The upgrade also allows users to stream games on other Windows PCs or tablets.
The Surface Hub is an 84-inch 4K display that functions as a computer and lends itself to enterprise productivity. It comes equipped with cameras, speakers, microphones, Bluetooth, NFC, and proximity sensors that detect when a person approaches the screen.
Users can write on the screen and use Skype to communicate with remote workers, who are also able to see the whiteboard. Microsoft is pitching it as an ideal tool for brainstorming and collaboration. At the end of each meeting, the presenter is logged out and notes are automatically shared with each participant.
Microsoft's most exciting announcement was the debut of Windows Holographic, a personal computer accessible via headgear called "HoloLens" that is equipped with see-through high-definition lenses. Users wearing the HoloLens can view and interact with 3D images surrounding them in midair and located on physical objects.
HoloLens is built with a high-end CPU, GPU, and holographic processing unit (HPU). It is powered by human or environmental understanding, and, according to Microsoft's Alex Kipman, is "the most advanced holographic computer the world has ever seen."
In the presentation, Microsoft presented actual use-cases for the HoloLens, including users becoming immersed in video games, collaborating with colleagues, and performing surgeries. A live demonstration involved a Microsoft employee using an app called HoloStudio to create and control a UFO on stage.
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