5 Awesome Things You Need To Know About Windows 10

Today Microsoft unveiled more details about their new upcoming operating system Windows 10. Microsoft’s goal with Windows 10 is to be the OS for your digital lifestyle. A lot was announce but we have the 5 awesome things that you need to know about that’s coming in Windows 10. We’ve done our own diving into Windows 10 and some of it features but now we got a better idea of what the final product will be.

1. Cortana Is Coming To Windows PC

Cortana will be fully integrated into Windows 10. We already have it on Windows Phone but now PCs will get Microsoft digital assistant. You will be able to use Cortana for search, quick news and information, create appointments, make calls and even have it keep up with information that you choose. It will work similar to how Google Now works but Microsoft calls it Cortana’s Notebook where she will keep tabs on the information you want her to.

2. Uniform UI and Continuum

Windows 10 will be the one OS for all. The UI will look very much the same across all platforms on desktops, laptops, tablets, convertibles smartphones and even the Xbox One. This will make it easy for you to pick up any Windows 10 device and start using it without too much of a learning curve. Your data will also sync across these devices using One Drive cloud storage. With the uniform UI across devices you’ll still need the right user experience depending on the device, especially on convertible and hybrid devices. This is where Continuum comes in which will change the UI depending on what mode your device it is. A good example of this is if you are using a Surface Pro and you are typing in OneNote and you device you want to remove the keyboard and go into tablet mode. When you disconnect the keyboard Windows 10 will recognize the change and ask if you want to go into tablet mode which then it will maximize the app and made it more finger friendly. Plugging the keyboard back in will ask you want to go back into desktop mode and it will change it to a more desktop experience.

3. Universal Apps: One App To Run On All

Microsoft is making apps that will work with the same look and feel across all Windows 10 devices. A good examples of this is the Outlook app which will the same one app will conform to the device you are using it on and give you the same functionality while being the same single app. Developers won’t have to create separate apps for different devices and operation systems and users will get the same look, feel, setting and experience across all of their Windows 10 digital devices.

4. You Can Stream Xbox One Games On Windows 10

Windows 10 is going to allow you to stream Xbox One games to any Windows 10 PC or tablet similar in the same way  Sony’s PlayStation Now and Nvidia’s Shield do. For now this is restricted to being on the same network as your Xbox One but we should hear more about this during the Game Developer Conference in March.

5. Free For Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

That’s right you’ll be able to get Windows 10 free for 1 year after it launches. It will be free for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users. They didn’t give a launch date and didn’t say what would happen after the year is up.

I feel that Microsoft is really positioning Windows 10 well and giving users what they want. Cortana is a smart move to the PC and could be a great and more intuitive alternative to Google Now. The uniformed UI will allow better consistence across Windows devices making it easier to use and Continuum will make it better to have a convertible device like 2-in-1 PCs and not feel you are compromising on user experience. Universal apps will be great for developers who will be able to make one app for all. I like this as I can grab one app and have it work anywhere without having to lose features or have to have different settings for the same app.  The ability to stream XBox One games is a game changer when it comes to gaming. Allow any Windows 10 device to do this will open up more possibilities and most likely succeed where many others have failed at doing this. The best part of this is that we are getting it for free. Smart move to offer it for free. This gives Microsoft the best chance at widespread adoption. They should keep it free going forward for users upgrading.

While there was a lot announced during the event such as Hololens and Surface Hub. These are the top 5 awesome features coming to Windows 10, but what do you think? Do you think this is enough or should Windows 10 be more? Share your thoughts and let us know.