There will be seven versions of Microsoft Windows 10
While an official release date has yet to be announced, Microsoft has today unveiled new details on its forthcoming Windows 10 operating system.
Writing in a blog post, the software titan’s corporate vice president Tony Prophet talked up the broad range of Windows 10 editions and its availability across a numerous devices, including PC, tablet, phone, the Xbox One, Microsoft HoloLens and Surface Hub. He also reiterated that the system will be designed for the internet of things (IoT) from the get-go, which Microsoft has previously spoken on.
“No matter which Windows 10 device our customers use, the experience will feel comfortable, and there will be a single, universal Windows Store where they can find, try and buy Universal Windows apps,” wrote Prophet.
Meeting specific needs
Each edition of Windows 10 will be tailored to meet the specific needs of customers, from home users to small start-ups to large business empires.
You’ll have Windows 10 Home, which will ship on most home PCs and laptops and includes all of the main Windows 10 features, like the new Microsoft Edge web browser, personal digital assistant Cortana, Windows Hello, plus regular apps like Photos, Maps, Mail, Calendar, Music and Video.
Windows 10 Pro builds upon both the basic Home addition, adding extra features that may be of use to small businesses. Windows 10 Mobile, meanwhile, will be included on Windows smartphones and small tablets, and it features the same universal apps that are included in Windows 10 Home, as well as the new touch-optimised version of Office.
In addition, Microsoft will be offering Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education for larger organisations, educational institutes etc. All in all there will be seven editions in total, as well as free upgrades from qualifying Windows 8.1, Windows Phone 8.1, and Windows 7 devices that upgrade in the first year after launch.
Rumour has it that Windows 10 will be released in late July. One of the big reveals at Build 2015 last month was that the system will be able to run reworked Android and iOS apps.
Microsoft predicts Windows 10 will run on 1bn devices within three years
