Windows 10: Everything that Windows 8 Should Have Been

This is More than a Windows 8 Upgrade

While Windows 10 hasn’t been officially released, many die hard Windows users are itching at the chance to get their hands on this new operating system. While Microsoft has not given an official release date, they have hinted that the new OS will be released sometime this summer. Since Window 8 didn’t necessarily see the success that Microsoft may have hoped for, Windows 10 needs to really be strong out of the gates.

Key Features

Many of the beta testers are pointing out that Windows 10 looks to be everything that Windows 8 should have been. A few of the key features that users are sure to enjoy include:

• Cortana – Microsoft has added a virtual assistant that allows users to perform all sorts of Windows functions completely via voice. Microsoft’s answer to Google Now and Siri takes over the OS’s search functionality and allows users to perform other organizational tasks such as setting reminders, checking the weather and even checking the status of a flight.
• Increased Security – Microsoft often gets bad press for the large number of viruses that target Windows based systems. With Windows 10, Microsoft is beefing up their security measures with biometric authentication to make it more difficult for someone to access your computer.
• Scalable Interface – In response to the huge number of mobile devices currently in use, Windows 10 will be scalable based on a user’s device. This will allow your OS experience to be automatically tailored based on your device.

What’s Good about Windows 10

• Start Menu is Back – With Windows 8, users were shocked to see that the familiar Start Menu went on a bit of a hiatus. While Microsoft tried to reintroduce it in some fashion with Windows 8.1, it was still severely lacking. With Windows 10, much of the functionality of the start menu has been restored.
• Touch capabilities – Microsoft has built on the strong touch capabilities from Windows 8 in Windows 10. Users will be delighted to see how the entire OS can be manipulated with touch as opposed to a keyboard and mouse. This should make mobile users especially happy.
• Universal Apps – Unlike Apple, which has different apps for phones, tablets and computers, with Windows 8, Microsoft is working to create apps that can be used across all devices.
• Free Upgrades for a Year – Current Windows users who are running Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows Phone 8 will receive free updates for Windows 10 for one full year.

What’s Not So Good about Windows 10

• Vague Pricing – While current users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 can expect to receive free updates of Windows 10 for up to a year, the jury is still out as to what Microsoft’s pricing model will be in the future. Some are wondering if Microsoft will try to adopt some type of subscription model similar to what they have done with Office 365.
• Full Feature Set is Unknown – Since all of the reviews online for Windows 10 are based on beta versions of the operating system, it’s hard to know the full feature set of this long-awaited operating system.

Note: Windows 10 is expected to be released July 29th, 2015.  It so happens that this date is just slightly before the “Back to School Shopping” season in the U.S. and  U.K.

The Bottom Line

It looks like Microsoft finally listened to many of the complaints that customers had with Windows 8. While it’s hard to know if all of the issues from Windows 8 will be resolved, it looks as if Windows 10 could be an operating system that Windows fans will adore.

Also Worth Reading:

Windows 10 Screenshots

History of Microsoft Windows

Wikipedia Windows 10 Page

Microsoft Windows 10 Resource Page

Windows 10 Quick Tips & Tricks