Recently, Microsoft previewed Windows 10, which has many new features and services. Here's what you can expect from Windows 10, at home and in the office.
Microsoft wants to eradicate the divide between the 'modern UI', which is just the name for the fairly new desktop interface, and the traditional desktop. For those who have used Windows 8 and 8.1 you'll know what that means, as you will already be familiar with this newish desktop interface. And, when you launch one of the new style Windows apps from the new start menu it's always in full screen, optimised for tablets.
With Windows 10 there are different modes depending on the device: mobile, tablet, hybrid device, laptop/desktop or TV. Each mode is optimised for different use cases and screen sizes. So, for example, on a laptop or desktop, launching the new style Windows apps, they will launch on the desktop and allow you to resize and minimise like traditional windows applications.
"Hey Cortana"
With Windows 10, you'll be able to speak to your computer, tablet or phone. Cortana is the virtual assistant from Microsoft, comparable to Google Now and Siri. You can ask it questions, set up reminders and it can search your device for files. Cortana is set to be the virtual assistant that knows you and will help you whilst using your Windows 10 device.
Many usability features have come to Windows 10. For example, there's a new multitasking view that displays all your open Windows. You can also add another desktop to separate groups of Windows together.
For hybrid devices Windows 10 will detect automatically which mode you're in, for example if a keyboard is removed. Then alter the interface to make it more usable, adding a back key for example when the keyboard is removed to help navigate.
Microsoft is building a new web browser, Project Spartan is the code name. This is Microsoft's attempt to beat off Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Their new web browser will work across all Windows 10 devices and will allow you to annotate web pages and synchronise them to OneNote.
It also comes with a reading mode allowing you to read things distraction free regardless of which device you're on. It will also come with Cortana popping up at times where it might be useful. For example, if you visit the website of a restaurant.
Whether this means Microsoft will kill off the internet explorer brand for another name, we don't know. We also don't know when Windows 10 will be released. However, upon release our superheroes will be filled with knowledge about Windows 10 and will be on hand to give help and advice.
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