Microsoft has officially unveiled Windows 10, not Windows 9 has many had expected as the successor to Windows 8. Here's 10 new features to look out for when it launches in late 2015.
In the briefest of presentations, Microsoft gave us a taste of what's next for Windows, or to give it its official name, Windows 10.
It's not arriving until next year and what we do know is that there's something for users not willing to give up on Windows 7 and those who are embracing the more touchscreen-friendly operating system.
Here's our pick of of the Windows 10 features we can look forward to.
1. Start Menu returns
After reinstating the Start button in Windows 8.1 , Microsoft is now bringing back the menu to go with it. Happy times for desktop users. So it’s no longer just a place to jump awkwardly back to the tablet-friendly interface.
Now it’s a more familiar place where you can view regularly used apps, have the ability to use universal search (including web search) instead of swiping from the right of the screen to reveal the charms bar and even have the ability to shut down or restart a Windows 10 laptop or tablet.
There's also a new ‘Me’ tile, which still gives the tiled interface a presence desktop mode where you can re-size tiles depending on how prominent you want them to be.
Watch the video introducing Windows 10:
2. Task View for serious multitasking
Multitasking is one of the better executed features in Windows and now Microsoft is adding something it’s calling Task View to make it even more useful. Sat on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, task view when launched will display all of your currently opened apps.
3. Multiple desktops for power users
When you launch task view, Windows 10 will support the ability to view multiple desktops. You'll be able to switch between different desktops where multiple apps can run. Using the new ‘Snap Assist’ UI you will also be able to grab apps from those different desktops. If it works as advertised, this could be a seriously impressive feature.
4. Command Prompt gets keyboard-friendly
Yes, even Command Prompt is getting a tweaked. Long-time users of Windows will be familiar with using Prompt to run in MS-DOS mode and in Windows 10 you will now be able to paste directories with the Ctrl and V keyboard shortcut. A simple, but nonetheless useful feature for some users.
5. Windows 10 gets more touchy feely
While Microsoft is making changes for users more familiar with older versions of Windows, it’s not forgetting about the people who actually like the new touchscreen-optimized features. Now when you swipe in from the left, you will be able to see the new Task View with bigger, more touch-friendly buttons.
Another new feature includes the ability to switch modes depending on whether you are using touch or keyboard input.
6. Windows 10 will replace Windows Phone
Microsoft is really pushing for a unified operating system for all of its Windows-running products and that includes smartphones. Microsoft has confirmed that the next generation Windows Phone will use Windows 10 as well. One feature that won't be replicated in the phone version of Windows 10 is desktop mode, which isn't really a surprise considering the screen size you have to play with.
7. Windows 10 will be Windows Store-friendly
It's good news on the app front as Microsoft confirmed that existing apps will work with Windows 10. The Windows Store is growing and the selection available is the best it has been since Windows 8 first launched. It's still missing some top line apps, but hopefully it'll be in a better state in a year's time when Windows 10 launches.
8. Windows Store apps can work like desktop apps
In another attempt to make the Metro interface work in a more traditional Windows way, apps downloaded from the Windows Store can now be re-sized and will include title bars so you can minimise and maximize them giving you more flexibility with how apps can be displayed.
9. Go Snap crazy
Snapping several apps to work across one screen is also being improved so now you can run up to four apps at the same time. You will also be able to view other apps running on Windows 10 that you might want to also add and it will even suggest whether you want to use another app to take up some any more free desktop space.
10. You can try out Windows 10 now
If you want to play around with Windows 10 now, you can actually sign up at preview.windows.com where a Windows Technical Preview will be available on October 1st.
Next, read our round-up of the best Windows 8 laptops, tablets and hybrids
