Microsoft revealed its latest operating system to a room full of journalists and tech experts ready for Windows 9 Tuesday. But Microsoft pitched a curve ball to its audience and introduced Windows 10 instead.
So, why skip 9 all together? Microsoft executive Terry Myerson explained at the event they wanted to start Windows from square one, but CEO Bill Gates had already done that. So,
“Because we’re not building an incremental product, that new Windows is Windows 10. I’m serious that time.”
Yep, that wasn't a joke. So let's check it out: the new Windows 10 creates a new interface by taking cues from past versions. Myerson explained the OS has the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the elements from Windows 8. (Video via Microsoft)
That combination forms a hybrid desktop, which reintroduces users to the “Start” button from 7 while housing 8’s LiveTile functionality inside. Other new features include multiple desktops and a promise of continuity between the cloud and all your Windows devices.
USA Today reports the blending of two interfaces signals Microsoft might be working backwards, so it won’t leave behind enterprises that haven’t upgraded their PCs.
One analyst told the paper, "Only about 1 in 5 organizations is offering Windows 8 PCs to employees right now.”
Microsoft launched Windows 8 in 2012. CNET notes the company was met with criticism when it applied Metro style and "disrupted" the familiarity of its PCs.
So instead of reinventing the wheel, Microsoft plans to bring back popular ideas like the Start button to entice its business and personal users alike to upgrade.
But while Windows 10 dominated the presentation, outlets like The Verge picked out the company’s efforts to bring its die-hard fans into the mix.
The PC giant introduced Windows Insider, a new union between the company, “PC experts” and fans who know their way around a desktop. Members can get the Windows 10 preview, out Wednesday, in exchange for helping Microsoft by giving feedback and documenting bugs. (Video via Microsoft)
If you’d rather wait to have the presumably bug-free version of Windows 10, be patient. The company plans to roll out the OS and introduce the consumer version in “early 2015”.
This video contains images from Microsoft and Getty Images.
