There's no question that Microsoft launched Windows 8 with touch-based devices in mind. As we've seen over the past several years, that feature didn't sit well with the majority of Microsoft's desktop customers. The new Start screen was jarring to the point that Microsoft released Windows 8.1 to correct the experience for mouse-and-keyboard users.
Because of this, there's a good reason why customers may be hesitant about Windows 10. That's where the Insider program comes in: Customers can see what's on the Windows 10 menu through hands-on impressions and build reviews by the press. Unlike previous builds, Windows 10 is shaped by the community, and that's a good thing.
So, why should you upgrade to Windows 10? Here are six good reasons:
It's a Free Upgrade
The big surprise from Microsoft is that Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 customers. There is a catch, however: The upgrade is only free until one year after the Windows 10 launch. This means that if the platform launches in August 2015, customers will have until August 2016 to take the free Windows 10 plunge.
Once Windows 10 is installed, customers will receive constant updates to the platform instead of Service Packs. According to Microsoft, the company will supply these updates for the supported life of the device. Thanks to this rollout method, customers will see new features and tighter security on a regular basis.
There's No Start Screen
The Start Screen hasn't gone away, it's just not available for the desktop setup. Microsoft made a daring move when it introduced Windows 8 with the new Start Screen. The resulting backlash brought about Windows 8.1, which was aimed at making Windows experience better for desktop consumers. How? By allowing the same background image to be on the desktop and Start Screen, and by allowing Windows 8.1 to boot up directly into the desktop. For Windows 10 desktop users, Microsoft has eliminated the Start Screen altogether.
The Start Menu Is Back
Yes, the menu we've known and loved since the launch of Windows 95 makes its return. But it's not the same Start Menu we've seen over the decades. Instead of a list of apps, Microsoft has crammed together Live Tiles and app listings, providing the best of both worlds. The Live Tiles even feel 3D, thanks to a cool rotation animation.
From this menu, customers have quick access to the File Explorer, Documents, Settings, and a list of most-used apps. The All Apps button provides access to every app installed manually or via Windows Store. The Live Tiles on the Start Menu include Search, Settings, Mail, the Calendar, Weather, News, and so on. This portion of the Start Menu can be expanded to fill the screen, emulating the original Windows 8 Start Screen.
Cortana
After making her debut on Windows Phone, Cortana is now available on the Windows 10 desktop. This personal-assistant tool is backed by Microsoft's Bing search engine, and appears next to the Start Menu button on the taskbar. She will call users by name and provide local news and other information that she decides is useful.
For example, tap on the microphone and say, "How is the weather?" She will not only give a verbal response, but will also show the week's forecast in a window. Ask her to find local Chinese food, and the default browser will open up with a list of nearby Chinese restaurants. Ask her when your next appointment is, and Cortana will pull information from the Calendar. Good stuff.
Microsoft Edge
This is Microsoft's new browser, which is already installed in Windows 10. As of the latest build, Edge is set as the default browser, even though Internet Explorer 11 still resides on the desktop. According to Microsoft, the new browser is on the cutting edge, with support for new Internet-based technologies. Internet Explorer 11 is still in residence to support older websites.
Microsoft promotes this browser as "fast and clean." That's a good description, as Edge focuses on the Internet and doesn't provide a fancy user interface. This new browser also introduces a viewing mode called Reading View, which eliminates all the distractions from a website, including animated ads, buttons, and other website clutter. Essentially, Reading View emulates a PDF, so that the user only focuses on the article's text and associated images.
Microsoft's Edge also provides tools for virtually marking up websites. These tools include a pen with an adjustable width, a highlighter, an eraser, a text tool, and a clip tool. This toolset is a good way to make personal notes on websites that can be saved to disk and/or shared with others.
A Redesigned Store
The latest build of Windows 10 features a new Windows Store. Currently in beta, the store provides a different format cosmetically, and includes sections for movies and TV shows. Reminiscent of Netflix's user interface, this new store allows customers to browse vertically and in some cases horizontally. For example, scroll down vertically, and you'll see "Picks for you," "Top free apps," "Best-rated apps," "New and rising apps," and so on.
The Windows Store Beta movies and TV shows section provides quick links to content, including "Top movie rentals," "Last night on TV," "Featured collections," and "Your video library." Categories include "New movies," "Top-selling movies," "New TV shows," "Best-Selling TV Shows," and more. Each category has a "Show all" link for unveiling additional content. As with the current Windows Store, there's a search box in the top-right corner for finding content.
Should You Upgrade?
Will these six features be enough to bring Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users over to the new platform? That remains to be seen, but based on hands-on experience, Windows 10 is shaping up to offer a fantastic desktop experience. These six features are just a handful of what's to come this summer when Microsoft launches its new Windows platform.
From maximumpc
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