Windows 10: Microsoft Gets A Makeover

Windows 10: 9 Killer Features

In the wake of Microsoft's recent Windows 10 announcements, consumers and businesses are eager to try the mobile and desktop versions of the new OS. While the new features are exciting, they're only a small indication of what the tech world will see later this year.

"Microsoft had a very intriguing announcement around Windows 10," says Brian Blau, research director of consumer technology and markets at Gartner. "They've sort of leapfrogged mobile and are focusing on the core user experience."

Microsoft has acknowledged that its approach to developing Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 wasn't very effective. The announcements surrounding Windows 10 reflect a modernized strategy and narrowed focus on enabling Microsoft's customers to better interact with its devices and apps throughout the entire product line.

This universal app strategy, which encompasses all platforms supporting Windows 10, will set Microsoft apart. "Having that cross-platform is, I think, really interesting for Microsoft," says Blau, noting that no other tech vendor offers such tight integration among devices.  

Blau, who attended the press event held Wednesday at Microsoft's Redmond, Wash., headquarters, speaks to the effectiveness of Microsoft's interconnected strategy after seeing the demos held after the show. The presentations were compelling, he says, and the device experience easily translated among tablets, PCs, and smartphones. Although he describes a complete change in Microsoft's user experience based on witnessing the demos, Blau was not allowed to test the features himself.

"It's not ready yet," he says of the desktop and mobile upgrades. Because Microsoft is revealing few new details on Windows 10 over the course of development, it's hard to know exactly what will be included in the mobile OS until the tech giant releases its preview code in February. The desktop preview, fortunately, will arrive sooner.

Blau notes that Microsoft's strategy for developing Windows 10 is drastically different from its approach to previous operating systems, specifically in regard to users' opinions. "Individually, product managers and employees said the feedback program is really different for them," he says of his conversations at the event. "They're understanding more about what people want."

Those who buy into the Microsoft ecosystem will benefit from familiarity across devices. The universal apps and device integration could make a difference in boosting the popularity of Windows Phone, which currently lags far behind iPhone and Android in terms of marketshare.

[Windows 10: 9 Killer Features]

Blau describes Apple's long history, its loyal following, and the great ecosystem that is not completely unfamiliar across devices. It seems that Microsoft is attempting to emulate this for Windows, he says, and the company is on the right track. Its strategy of consulting Windows Insiders for feedback is a sign that it's catering to loyal Windows users. If Microsoft can create a compelling ecosystem, Blau predicts it will be attractive to Apple users.

Those watching Microsoft's progress, including Blau, won't be watching PCs or smartphones. They'll be looking to see how the entire device ecosystem proliferates over time. When will we learn more? After the next Insider preview releases, he anticipates that Microsoft will continue to build upon its most recent announcements at its Build 2015 conference in April.

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