Windows 10 announced new features unveiled

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Microsoft announced its Windows 8 Successor, titled as the Windows 10, in a press event at San Francisco. Deciding to skip a version number, Microsoft chose to name ‘Windows Threshold’ as Windows 10 instead of Windows 9.

Where did Windows 9 go

There were many reports in the market sharing various titles for this new OS. They referred to it as “Windows vNext”, “Threshold” (The official internal development codename), “Windows 9” (logical) and even “Windows TH”, Windows 365 or simply that it would be called just Windows. But, Microsoft halted these rumors and presented its new OS as the “Windows 10”.

After analyzing the last few Windows names, it was logical to conclude that Microsoft would be calling it Windows 9, but to everyone’s surprise, Microsoft broke this chain. Many people are curious to know that where is Windows 9? While Microsoft has not commented officially, Microsoft said:


This product, when you see the product in your fullness I think you’ll agree with us that it’s a more appropriate name. Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices – from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise datacenters worldwide. Some of these devices have 4 inch screens – some have 80 inch screens – and some don’t have screens at all. Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture – and some devices can switch between input types.

It appears that Microsoft wanted to signify that this release would be the last ‘major’ Windows update, since in future, the company is planning to make smaller updates regularly to the Windows 10 code base.

If you remember, the software giant had skipped a version with Microsoft Office too!

Windows 10 New features and highlights

1. Compatibility & One App Store for all

Windows 10 will be compatible with all the devices such as Xbox, PCs, smartphones, tablets or other tiny gadgets that run the Windows Operating System. Further, Microsoft has planned to deliver a Unified App Store for developers so that they can easily create and deploy their applications across multiple device types. Now, it will become very easy for the consumers also to discover, purchase or update the apps. Apart from Modern UI or Universal apps, the Windows Store will also support desktop apps, as well as other digital content.

2. Modern Business Specific

Microsoft with its Windows 10 has tried to reduce the business complexities regarding the security, identity and information protection by offering better solutions to such problems. Now, the organizations can also customize an app store according to their needs and environment. This unique app store will support volume app licensing, flexibility distribution and reuse of licenses when necessary. Read more at Improvements in Windows 10 for Business and Enterprise.

3. The Start Menu is Back


Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu similar to the Windows 7 and enables the users to access their frequently used files and functions in a go. Further, it comes with a new space for personalization of programs, favorite apps, people and websites – and includes Tiles as well.

4. Everything runs in a window


Windows Store apps now opens up in the form of a Window and allows the users to resize or move them around like any other program window. Users can even maximize, minimize or close the app with a click on the title bars at the top of the app window. They are being now called Universal Apps.

5. Multiple Desktops

It’s now easy to create and switch among distinct desktops while working to avoid overlapping of several apps or files on a single desktop.

6. Faster File Search

File Explorer now displays the recently as well as frequently visited files and folders, thereby making it easier to find your files on which you were working.

7. New Task View Button


Addition of a new Task View Button on the task bar enables the users to view all the open apps and files collectively in one view. It allows quick switching as well as one-touch access to any of the created desktops.

8. Snap Enhancements

Includes a new quadrant layout which allows at most four apps to be snapped on the same screen. In addition, Windows will also display other running apps and programs for additional snapping. Even, it will also provide smart suggestions to fill the available screen space with the other open apps. Snap Assist is a new feature on Snap.

9. The Command Prompt will get common keyboard shortcuts.

10. Continuum is a new technology that automatically senses how you are using your device and adapts the UI accordingly. Useful, when you are using your Surface Pro as a laptop or as a tablet.
Windows 10 Hardware requirements

The hardware requirements would remain the same as for Windows 8.1.
Processor: 1 GHz or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2
RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver.

Windows 10 in action video

Microsoft has also released an official video for the public under the tagline “Introducing Windows 10 – The best Windows yet”. This video is presented by Joe Belfiore, the current Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Operating Systems Group, showing a glimpse of the new Windows operating system. Also take a look at the complete screenshot gallery here. Download the Windows 10 TP Guide from Microsoft to learn more and remember to refer this Checklist for smooth installation of Windows 10 Technical Preview .

Windows 10 availability

Microsoft has planned to release the “Windows 10 Technical Preview” today as part of the “Microsoft’s Insider Program”. The download will enable the developers as well as the enthusiasts to get their hands dirty with this new OS. For now, the preview will be available for the laptops and desktops only and later the tech-giant will release a version for servers also. Microsoft also confirmed that the full version of Windows 10 will globally release in mid-2015.

Windows 10 pricing

Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t revealed any info regarding the pricing of Windows 10, but, we hope to hear something from the Redmond at its next BUILD conference in April 2015.