Microsoft gave us a small peek at the next version of Windows today, confusingly dubbed Windows 10. Here’s what you can expect to see.
Today’s event was just a small introduction, with Microsoft noting that Windows 10 is still in the early stages and subject to change — not to mention there are heaps of consumer features that haven’t been talked about yet. But we got a quick look into some of the new stuff, most of which looks quite good. Here’s what you’ll find.
Windows’ Next Version Is Called Windows 10
Let’s just get this out of our systems now. Windows skipped Windows 9 completely for no apparent reason. Make your jokes. Everybody’s doing it. OK, now let’s move on.
The Start Menu Is Back
Microsoft previewed this all the way back in April, and it looks like we won’t be seeing it on our desktops until Windows 10. The new Start menu will look familiar, with some hints of Windows 8, including live tiles that you can resize and move around yourself. You can even resize the entire Start menu to your liking. Microsoft says their goal here is personalisation, so you can make the Start menu work for you. It will also include universal search, just like the old Start menu — but with the addition of web results.
Modern Apps Come to the Desktop, in Windowed Form
Again, we saw this back in April, but Microsoft is officially bringing “Modern” apps to the desktop, just like ModernMix currently does on Windows 8. They will be called “universal apps” and work like pretty much any other windowed app on the desktop.
Improved Multitasking and Multiple Desktops
Taking a cue from OS X and Linux, Microsoft is finally adding two very popular features to Windows: an Exposé-like multitasking feature called “Task View”, where you can see all your open windows at once, and the ability to create multiple desktops for better Window organisation (known as Spaces on the Mac). You can launch this multitasking view from a new “Task View” button in the taskbar.
Aero Snap is also getting a little update, letting you snap up to four windows at once. It will show window previews for other open windows in any empty spaces so you can easily drag them into view.
An Updated Command Prompt
Microsoft actually updated the command prompt in Windows 10.
I will give you a moment to let that sink in.
Actually, only one specific update was previwed: the ability to paste a directory into the Command Prompt with Ctrl+V (instead of right-clicking, which you currently have to do). OK, it seems like a silly little update, but if you ever use the Command Prompt, you know how awesome this is. Hopefully there will be some more goodies added to the terminal before launch.
Updates to the Touch Interface
Microsoft’s big goal with Windows 10 is to create a more unified experience across devices, including tablets and PCs. That sounds an awful lot like the goal for Windows 8, but it looks like Microsoft is trying a different, less fractured approach with Windows 10. There’s a swipe gesture for Task View, for example, and the windows have enlarged buttons to make them easier to touch. Windows will automatically switch to this more touch-friendly view when it detects that you’re using a touch screen.
This Is Just the Beginning
Microsoft made it very clear that Windows 10 is still in the very early stages. It will be releasing a preview build tomorrow (which we’ll be on top of), but there are likely many new features to come — and many improvements to the interface beyond what we’ve seen today (the Charms bar, for example, will likely change, according to Microsoft).
We’ll see more of Windows 10 at Microsoft’s Build conference in April, and Windows 10 will launch in “later 2015”. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Announcing Windows 10 [Blogging Windows]
Comments
12 responses to “All The New Stuff Coming To Windows 10”
Why did they call it Windows 10?
because 7 8 9I thought it was to avoid the Q/A Windows? Nein!
Can’t wait for the new command prompt. After all these years you can finally use keyboard shortcuts to copy and paste.
until you go to copy and cancel a running script….
“We’re bringing back a heap of old stuff we removed in Win8 and making it seem new again.”
Microsoft Still cant count
01 Windows 1
02 Windows 2
03 Windows 3
04 Windows 95
05 Windows 98
06 Windows Me
07 Windows XP
08 Windows Vista
09 Windows 7
10 Windows 8
11 Windows 10
I think MS just decided to forget about Vista when they counted how many versions.
Your list is incomplete and combines two diverging product lines from the 32bit era
You omit Windows/386 (prior to Win 3.0), Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11 in the early round of 16 bit editions. These were significant releases in terms of device and networking support.
In the 32 bit era there is 95, 98, 98SE and ending with ME.
Parallel to those is
NT 3.1, NT3.5, NT4, Win2K, WinXP …
I know your point is about consecutive counting but there are discontinuities between 2-4 and 6-7 in your list.
Ok im sold:
A. I still hate windows tiles in a desktop experience (which is why i despise win8) but the fact you can personalize this and disable them in the start menu is a definite plus.
B. The new snap functionality is AWESOME particularly for me since im a dev, i can have my browser on 1 monitor fullscreen. Then on the other 1/2 of it can be my text editor, 1/4 for my terminal and 1/4 for something else like a notifications app or something. Finally on the 3rd screen i can have photoshop or illustrator open. Best workflow ever.
Furthermore multiple desktops (save-able?) for work and play? too convienient 😛
C. Potentially a better search functionality
D. All the under the hood performance improvements they got in win8/8.1 is carrying over.
Sorry, couldn’t get past Joey’s oldman emoboy haircut.
That’s an awesome combover dude… 🙂
Should’ve called it Windows ONE.
They already went ‘back to basics’ with Xbox ONE, perfect opportunity for Microsoft to reinforce their brand.
Tagline for Windows 10 is already “One Product Family, One Platform, One Store”
Also makes sense if it’s meant to be a more cross-platform OS.
*Bonus removal of the consumer confusion caused by Windows 8/8.1/RT naming.
*Extra bonus since they seem to be unifying the desktop and ‘the interface formally known as Metro’
Forget skipping 9. OSX has current dibs on 10. Go straight to ONE
Wouldn’t surprise me if this was the plan a few months before release – except they didn’t see Xbone and din’t like it much – I’m sure someone would think of another funny contraction such as Windone – Windows is done.