Happy Windows 10 Launch Day! What can you expect inside?
A lot can change in 10 years. Back in 2005, Windows XP was our current view of the future, and everyone carried a Blackberry. Fast forward to 2015, and Apple and Android are the dominant players in the mobile space, while the world waits somewhat hesitantly for the release of Windows 10.
It’s not been a great run for the software giant. While Windows 7 (released in 2009) was much loved (and smoothed out a lot of the problems present in Vista), very few were willing to take another disruptive risk with the touch-based Windows 8.
As it turns out, it really was a bridge too far – especially for enterprise. The simple act of moving the Start button was an act of heresy for many users, and as a result, the uptake of the software was the lowest in Windows history. Two years after its release, it was present on only 13.6% of all desktop and laptop devices.
That is all expected to change today with the release of Windows 10 - which Microsoft intends to be the last Windows you'll ever need. This will almost certainly be the most widely-adopted OS in Microsoft's history... and best of all is that it's FREE!
Is it worth upgrading? Is it worth a look? Here are 10 things you might want to check out before loading up your company’s machines.
1. Cortana
This is Microsoft’s take on Google Now or Apple’s Siri – and is getting rave reviews for its AI. You’re going to talk to your computer more than you ever have – so long as you’re comfortable with the rest of the office staring.
2. Start menu
It’s back front-and-centre and is ready for your giant, digital hug. Pay it extra attention by fully customising its contents to suit your workflow and you will use it more than ever.
3. Microsoft Edge
This looks like the browser of the future. With a crisp and clear layout and a blisteringly fast engine, this could see Microsoft return to the top of the browser wars. We loved that fact you can interact with pages,- adding scribbles and notes and sending them through to contacts via email. It’s an amazing leap.
4. Updates
Even worse than Adobe, Microsoft updates are a long-loathed intrusion. The good news is that, in Windows 10, the updates can be scheduled to occur AND will be free for the next 10 years!
5. Maps
Looking for a great place for dinner or somewhere interesting for the weekend? You can now download your maps and reference them on the go. Perfect for laptops!
6. Mail
Much like the Edge Browser, the new Mail app is crisp and clean. However, this doesn’t mean it’s light on functionality, with easy access to Calendar and Contacts to make communicating a dream.
7. Continuum
Like Windows 8, this version is designed for flexibility across tablets, PCs and laptops. If you have a 2-in-1 device, by disconnecting the screen fro the keyboard the OS automatically kicks in to Metro mode. However, if you prefer, you can set the interface for metro at all times (on any device) and watch the world go by through your collection of Live Tiles.
8. Notification Control
Your phone is probably set to manage all the notifications you want, while hiding those you don’t. Windows 10 brings its own control centre where you can shoose what apps jumps up to grab your attention, and what will just chug along quietly in the background. Think of it as deciding on the distractions you want!
9. Xbox
If you’re not a gamer, this might convince you to splurge. Windows 10 is tightly interwoven with Xbox that you can use your account to buy games and chat with friends, or even stream games over wi-fi from your console to your laptop.
10. And finally… Solitaire!
Yep. If you missed the classic timewaster in Windows 8, feel free to dive straight into the Games folder and start playing. The bad news? It’s jammed with ads and you have to pay to get rid of them.
Oh well, back to work!