Microsoft previously revealed its intentions to begin rolling out the Windows 10 update for smartphones during December of last year, but that didn't happen in the end, with the firm rescheduling and stating it would bring the update in early 2016. However, things may be delayed once again, according to the latest reports in circulation as of January 25, which state that Microsoft has confirmed a delay in messages to its partner companies. Details of an email were leaked to VentureBeat, which reportedly says Microsoft is now planning to push the update in "early to mid February."
But we're now in March 2016, and that still hasn't happened. As of March 4, however, there are reports that Windows 8.1 smartphones will be upgrading to Windows 10 over-the-air very soon indeed. The evidence comes from Vodafone's Italian website, specifically a support page, which lists several handsets which will apparently be updated on the week of March 7. In particular it lists the Lumia 535, Lumia 635, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, Lumia 930 and Lumia 1520, although that's not necessarily a comprehensive list of everything that will be upgraded. Of course the other thing is this is specific to Itlian Vodafone customers, but it's an indicator that things are likely afoot more generally too.
Windows 10 was downloaded 14 MILLION times within the first 24 hours of its availability. That’s right: 14 million –– a truly huge number. Initial reactions are very positive, too, meaning THIS could be the platform that brings Microsoft back into a lot of people’s hearts and minds. Below is the official line via Microsoft:
“It has been an incredible 24 hours for Windows and our fans. We’re humbled and grateful to see the response to Windows 10. We have seen unprecedented demand for Windows 10, with reviews and customer feedback overwhelmingly positive around the globe. We are doing everything we can to upgrade the world to Windows 10 as quickly as possible over the coming days and weeks ahead.”
As expected, Windows 10 is currently only available to PC users who have either Windows 7 or Windows 8 - it'll be free for a whole year.
When the update is installed, it'll continue to update to every subsequent build of Windows going forward, again with no charge.
The firm stated at its Build developer conference that other devices, including phones (Windows Phone 8.1 handsets), tablets, the Xbox consoles, and Microsoft's new HoloLens headset, will receive the new software at a later date.
- Find Out More About Windows 10 For Smartphones
- Microsoft Has A BUNCH Of Windows Phones Lined Up For Windows 10
- 10 Things You NEED To Know About Windows 10
Windows 10 Android App Support Development "Suspended"
Reports from November 17 indicate that Microsoft has temporarily suspended its development program for the support of Android applications. The firm previously revealed its ambitious intentions to support both iOS and Android application quick code conversion to enable truly universal apps, however, the company is now apparently focusing on iOS as a priority and putting Android on the back burner. We should stress that this doesn't appear to have anything to do with previous reports of Google developing its own Google apps suite for Windows 10 - that still appears to be going forward.
What this has to do with is Microsoft making it as easy as possible for developers entrenched in iOS and Android to convert their apps to Windows 10 - but it looks like iOS is getting preferential treatment for now. Microsoft is yet to make an official statement, but the Android arm of this project is dubbed Astoria and the firm has repeatedly hinted and implied that iOS is now a focus.
"We're committed to offering developers many options to bring their apps to the Windows Platform," said Microsoft, in a statement to Windows Central, "including bridges available now for Web and iOS, and soon Win32. The Astoria bridge is not ready yet, but other tools offer great options for developers. For example, the iOS bridge enables developers to write a native Windows Universal app which calls UWP APIs directly from Objective-C, and to mix and match UWP and iOS concepts such as XAML and UIKit."
"Developers can write apps that run on all Windows 10 devices and take advantage of native Windows features easily. We're grateful to the feedback from the development community and look forward to supporting them as they develop apps for Windows 10."
Google Supporting Windows 10 With Official Applications Suite?
Ok so this could be big. Historically Microsoft's mobile platforms; Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8; have been lacking in support from official Google applications, things like YouTube, Drive, Hangouts, the kinds of apps people who are well-embedded in Google's ecosystem use every day. Over time there have been multiple comments, reports, and instances of analysis from industry types about what this has meant for Microsoft and WHY Google has been reluctant to take time to develop apps for Microsoft's platform.
The general consensus seems to be that A) Google hasn't been interested in developing apps for Windows Phone's comparatively small user base, and B) there's some bad blood between the two on account of Microsoft's taking of royalties on every Android device sold, because of some patents it owns that relate to the software.
But, with Windows 10 it appears Google may be ready to bring its application suite to the next, true-cross platform iteration of Windows. According to W4PHub's sources "familiar with" Google's plans, picked up by posters on Reddit, Google and Microsoft are entering into a cooperative stage and putting aside old grievences. It seems Google is preparing many components of its app suite for inclusion in the Windows 10 Store, including Google Play Music, Hangouts, YouTube, and Google Voice. Great news.
“Chatter on Twitter suggests that Google will be present at Microsoft's grand Windows 10 Devices event tomorrow,” reports Beta News, “and it would announce Android apps support for Windows 10 Mobile devices. Bolstering the theory is the two company's seemingly improving relationship, the biggest testament of which was up on display when the two recently agreed to drop 20 patent lawsuits they had filed against each other.”
So, Microsoft and Google have kissed and made up. Splendid. This is very good news for anyone excited about Microsoft’s upcoming range of Windows 10 handsets. Windows Phone always struggled with applications and games content, so a deal with Google would finally put this issue to bed once and for all while Microsoft works with its developers to create unique and engaging, bespoke Windows 10 applications.
"Google and Microsoft have agreed to collaborate on certain patent matters and anticipate working together in other areas in the future to benefit our customers"
Of course with Windows 10 being cross-platform there's a certain sense in Google playing ball anyway, if it wants to keep its suite in use by Windows 10 PC users, who do form a big part of its user-base, it also needs to make these apps for the mobile component, as they are the same platform. By the sounds of it there is a genuine sense of cooperation between the renewed Microsoft under Satya Nadella, and Google under Sundar Pichai, rather than it simply being a case of Microsoft twisting Google's arm by going true cross-platform and merging Google's traditional PC user-base into the mobile sector by default, but that said there is sure to be some element of Google, ever pragmatic, seeing the situation for what it is and taking the most sensible (cooperative) course of action. Interesting times either way!
Windows 10 Interface
A cornerstone of Windows 10 is to combine what Microsoft has learned users love from from its legacy desktop software and what they like from its mobile and touch platforms (Windows 8/Windows Phone) into one cohesive package that works seamlessly across all manner of devices. No easy task.
The firm is making a lot of noise about what it terms its "familiar Start menu, Taksbar, and Desktop", that is to say, keeping the signature Start menu design layout that long-term Windows desktop users will be comfortable with.
A clever trick here is, rather than having the Live Tile interface and traditional desktop environment as two separate entities to switch between (as with Windows 8), Microsoft has added the Live Tile streaming panel as a component of the Start menu; you can see all your Live Tiles at a glance simply by pressing the Start button, which is housed in its traditional home at the bottom left of the screen.
Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing users to maximize, minimize and close with a click.
The new Task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files, allowing for quick switching and one-touch access to any desktop created.
Windows 10 also supports multiple desktops. Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it’s easy to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects — whether for work or personal use.
True Cross-Compatibility
Another key pillar is that Windows 10 is the same software across PCs, tablets, and smartphones (and indeed a selection of other Microsoft devices). Microsoft's new mantra is "the best screen is always the one that you're on," and although the software will adapt and change its layout to suit touch devices, it will remain by-and-large the same, so you won't have to change the way you interact drastically.
And, what's more, due to Microsoft's Continuum feature you can readily access all your "stuff" (accounts, applications, preferences, integrated OneDrive cloud storage) moving from one device to another; it'll even keep your current tasks as you switch from one device to another. Within the same device it'll also adapt to specific use scenarios; say you're using a Microsoft Surface tablet with the keyboard, if you start interacting via the touch display instead, it'll pick up and go with it intuitively. Lastly, your options are also expanded in terms of how your hardware can be used, you can, for example, hook a Windows 10 smartphone up to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and use it as if it were a PC (because in fact that's exactly what it is). Microsoft has also created a Companion Phone application to allow you to link your Windows experience with an iPhone, Android phone, or Windows handset.
Windows 10 Will Be FINAL Windows Build
As of May 12, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will be the last big Windows release ever. From now on Windows updates will be "issued as regular instalments", according to theTelegraph.
The revelation follows statements made by prominent developers at the Microsoft Ignite conference suggesting Windows 10 would be "the last version Windows."
In a statement given to The Verge, Microsoft said, "Recent comments at Ignite about Windows 10 are reflective of the way Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner, with continuous value for our consumer and business customers."
This is being interpreted as Microsoft following Apple's model with Mac OS X - the software comes aboard purchased devices and patches are applied periodically for free.
Windows 10 Will Be FREE
This is one of the most shocking bits of information to come out of Microsoft's big event. For the first time in history Microsoft will be giving a Windows operating system away for free. That’s right, free (well, for most). When Windows 10 ships anyone who is currently running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to download Windows 10 for free and use it for free for the first year.
“Windows 10 must negotiate a formidable wave of negative sentiment following the launch of Windows 8. However, Windows 10 is infinitely more refined, it’s a free upgrade, there’s no license fee on sub 9-inch devices and Microsoft, Intel and partners are delivering unprecedented levels of hardware innovation at a wide range of price points. The tide could be slowly turning for Windows," said Geoff Blaber, VP Research, Americas, CCS Insight.
After the first year it’s subscription-based, as is the trend for most software nowadays. In some ways this can be seen as Microsoft ripping off another page from Apple’s playbook (who’s offered OS X for free for several years in a row now). But regardless their inspiration, it’s a wise move considering many that felt burned with Window 8 would probably be reluctant to splash out on
Microsoft previously revealed its intentions to begin rolling out the Windows 10 update for smartphones during December of last year, but that didn't happen in the end, with the firm rescheduling and stating it would bring the update in early 2016. However, things may be delayed once again, according to the latest reports in circulation as of January 25, which state that Microsoft has confirmed a delay in messages to its partner companies. Details of an email were leaked to VentureBeat, which reportedly says Microsoft is now planning to push the update in "early to mid February."
But we're now in March 2016, and that still hasn't happened. As of March 4, however, there are reports that Windows 8.1 smartphones will be upgrading to Windows 10 over-the-air very soon indeed. The evidence comes from Vodafone's Italian website, specifically a support page, which lists several handsets which will apparently be updated on the week of March 7. In particular it lists the Lumia 535, Lumia 635, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, Lumia 930 and Lumia 1520, although that's not necessarily a comprehensive list of everything that will be upgraded. Of course the other thing is this is specific to Itlian Vodafone customers, but it's an indicator that things are likely afoot more generally too.
Windows 10 was downloaded 14 MILLION times within the first 24 hours of its availability. That’s right: 14 million –– a truly huge number. Initial reactions are very positive, too, meaning THIS could be the platform that brings Microsoft back into a lot of people’s hearts and minds. Below is the official line via Microsoft:
“It has been an incredible 24 hours for Windows and our fans. We’re humbled and grateful to see the response to Windows 10. We have seen unprecedented demand for Windows 10, with reviews and customer feedback overwhelmingly positive around the globe. We are doing everything we can to upgrade the world to Windows 10 as quickly as possible over the coming days and weeks ahead.”
As expected, Windows 10 is currently only available to PC users who have either Windows 7 or Windows 8 - it'll be free for a whole year.
When the update is installed, it'll continue to update to every subsequent build of Windows going forward, again with no charge.
The firm stated at its Build developer conference that other devices, including phones (Windows Phone 8.1 handsets), tablets, the Xbox consoles, and Microsoft's new HoloLens headset, will receive the new software at a later date.
- Find Out More About Windows 10 For Smartphones
- Microsoft Has A BUNCH Of Windows Phones Lined Up For Windows 10
- 10 Things You NEED To Know About Windows 10
Windows 10 Android App Support Development "Suspended"
Reports from November 17 indicate that Microsoft has temporarily suspended its development program for the support of Android applications. The firm previously revealed its ambitious intentions to support both iOS and Android application quick code conversion to enable truly universal apps, however, the company is now apparently focusing on iOS as a priority and putting Android on the back burner. We should stress that this doesn't appear to have anything to do with previous reports of Google developing its own Google apps suite for Windows 10 - that still appears to be going forward.
What this has to do with is Microsoft making it as easy as possible for developers entrenched in iOS and Android to convert their apps to Windows 10 - but it looks like iOS is getting preferential treatment for now. Microsoft is yet to make an official statement, but the Android arm of this project is dubbed Astoria and the firm has repeatedly hinted and implied that iOS is now a focus.
"We're committed to offering developers many options to bring their apps to the Windows Platform," said Microsoft, in a statement to Windows Central, "including bridges available now for Web and iOS, and soon Win32. The Astoria bridge is not ready yet, but other tools offer great options for developers. For example, the iOS bridge enables developers to write a native Windows Universal app which calls UWP APIs directly from Objective-C, and to mix and match UWP and iOS concepts such as XAML and UIKit."
"Developers can write apps that run on all Windows 10 devices and take advantage of native Windows features easily. We're grateful to the feedback from the development community and look forward to supporting them as they develop apps for Windows 10."
Google Supporting Windows 10 With Official Applications Suite?
Ok so this could be big. Historically Microsoft's mobile platforms; Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8; have been lacking in support from official Google applications, things like YouTube, Drive, Hangouts, the kinds of apps people who are well-embedded in Google's ecosystem use every day. Over time there have been multiple comments, reports, and instances of analysis from industry types about what this has meant for Microsoft and WHY Google has been reluctant to take time to develop apps for Microsoft's platform.
The general consensus seems to be that A) Google hasn't been interested in developing apps for Windows Phone's comparatively small user base, and B) there's some bad blood between the two on account of Microsoft's taking of royalties on every Android device sold, because of some patents it owns that relate to the software.
But, with Windows 10 it appears Google may be ready to bring its application suite to the next, true-cross platform iteration of Windows. According to W4PHub's sources "familiar with" Google's plans, picked up by posters on Reddit, Google and Microsoft are entering into a cooperative stage and putting aside old grievences. It seems Google is preparing many components of its app suite for inclusion in the Windows 10 Store, including Google Play Music, Hangouts, YouTube, and Google Voice. Great news.
“Chatter on Twitter suggests that Google will be present at Microsoft's grand Windows 10 Devices event tomorrow,” reports Beta News, “and it would announce Android apps support for Windows 10 Mobile devices. Bolstering the theory is the two company's seemingly improving relationship, the biggest testament of which was up on display when the two recently agreed to drop 20 patent lawsuits they had filed against each other.”
So, Microsoft and Google have kissed and made up. Splendid. This is very good news for anyone excited about Microsoft’s upcoming range of Windows 10 handsets. Windows Phone always struggled with applications and games content, so a deal with Google would finally put this issue to bed once and for all while Microsoft works with its developers to create unique and engaging, bespoke Windows 10 applications.
"Google and Microsoft have agreed to collaborate on certain patent matters and anticipate working together in other areas in the future to benefit our customers"
Of course with Windows 10 being cross-platform there's a certain sense in Google playing ball anyway, if it wants to keep its suite in use by Windows 10 PC users, who do form a big part of its user-base, it also needs to make these apps for the mobile component, as they are the same platform. By the sounds of it there is a genuine sense of cooperation between the renewed Microsoft under Satya Nadella, and Google under Sundar Pichai, rather than it simply being a case of Microsoft twisting Google's arm by going true cross-platform and merging Google's traditional PC user-base into the mobile sector by default, but that said there is sure to be some element of Google, ever pragmatic, seeing the situation for what it is and taking the most sensible (cooperative) course of action. Interesting times either way!
Windows 10 Interface
A cornerstone of Windows 10 is to combine what Microsoft has learned users love from from its legacy desktop software and what they like from its mobile and touch platforms (Windows 8/Windows Phone) into one cohesive package that works seamlessly across all manner of devices. No easy task.
The firm is making a lot of noise about what it terms its "familiar Start menu, Taksbar, and Desktop", that is to say, keeping the signature Start menu design layout that long-term Windows desktop users will be comfortable with.
A clever trick here is, rather than having the Live Tile interface and traditional desktop environment as two separate entities to switch between (as with Windows 8), Microsoft has added the Live Tile streaming panel as a component of the Start menu; you can see all your Live Tiles at a glance simply by pressing the Start button, which is housed in its traditional home at the bottom left of the screen.
Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing users to maximize, minimize and close with a click.
The new Task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files, allowing for quick switching and one-touch access to any desktop created.
Windows 10 also supports multiple desktops. Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it’s easy to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects — whether for work or personal use.
True Cross-Compatibility
Another key pillar is that Windows 10 is the same software across PCs, tablets, and smartphones (and indeed a selection of other Microsoft devices). Microsoft's new mantra is "the best screen is always the one that you're on," and although the software will adapt and change its layout to suit touch devices, it will remain by-and-large the same, so you won't have to change the way you interact drastically.
And, what's more, due to Microsoft's Continuum feature you can readily access all your "stuff" (accounts, applications, preferences, integrated OneDrive cloud storage) moving from one device to another; it'll even keep your current tasks as you switch from one device to another. Within the same device it'll also adapt to specific use scenarios; say you're using a Microsoft Surface tablet with the keyboard, if you start interacting via the touch display instead, it'll pick up and go with it intuitively. Lastly, your options are also expanded in terms of how your hardware can be used, you can, for example, hook a Windows 10 smartphone up to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and use it as if it were a PC (because in fact that's exactly what it is). Microsoft has also created a Companion Phone application to allow you to link your Windows experience with an iPhone, Android phone, or Windows handset.
Windows 10 Will Be FINAL Windows Build
As of May 12, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will be the last big Windows release ever. From now on Windows updates will be "issued as regular instalments", according to theTelegraph.
The revelation follows statements made by prominent developers at the Microsoft Ignite conference suggesting Windows 10 would be "the last version Windows."
In a statement given to The Verge, Microsoft said, "Recent comments at Ignite about Windows 10 are reflective of the way Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner, with continuous value for our consumer and business customers."
This is being interpreted as Microsoft following Apple's model with Mac OS X - the software comes aboard purchased devices and patches are applied periodically for free.
Windows 10 Will Be FREE
This is one of the most shocking bits of information to come out of Microsoft's big event. For the first time in history Microsoft will be giving a Windows operating system away for free. That’s right, free (well, for most). When Windows 10 ships anyone who is currently running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to download Windows 10 for free and use it for free for the first year.
“Windows 10 must negotiate a formidable wave of negative sentiment following the launch of Windows 8. However, Windows 10 is infinitely more refined, it’s a free upgrade, there’s no license fee on sub 9-inch devices and Microsoft, Intel and partners are delivering unprecedented levels of hardware innovation at a wide range of price points. The tide could be slowly turning for Windows," said Geoff Blaber, VP Research, Americas, CCS Insight.
After the first year it’s subscription-based, as is the trend for most software nowadays. In some ways this can be seen as Microsoft ripping off another page from Apple’s playbook (who’s offered OS X for free for several years in a row now). But regardless their inspiration, it’s a wise move considering many that felt burned with Window 8 would probably be reluctant to splash out on
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