Microsoft Attempts to Make a Major Comeback with Windows 10 Launch
Microsoft is definitely serious with keeping the nightmare of Windows 8 out of the way with its latest version of its OS, Windows 10. Launched in 2012, the old version had a lukewarm reception at the start but sadly became unpopular as users were not satisfied with its features or the lack of it.
In its attempt to catch up with how Google and Apple dominate the mobile industry, which it eluded for years, Microsoft reinvented the design to make it run smoothly on smartphones and tablets. The radical change, however, received negative feedback from users.
The tiled OS design was new to Window users who preferred the look of Windows 7 and XP. Although being able to use it on touch screen devices was welcoming, seeing personal information on the screen via Facebook messages and Twitter feeds was too overwhelming and confusing.
Critics were also outraged that Microsoft removed features they have been used to, like Windows Media Player and the “Start” bar.
Meanwhile, with the global release of the new operating system, Satya Nadella said that this was a quantum leap not only for the software giant but for the computer industry as well.
What’s in Windows 10?
Although consumers will still be dealing with live tiles as shortcuts to applications, they can now have access to a “start” menu like in Windows 7. Also, users can use the same OS on any Microsoft device, including HoloLens, unlike the previous versions where a separate Windows phone OS is needed.
A feature called “Continuum”, which detects if a separate keyboard is attached, was also added. Also, modified Xbox Video and Xbox Music versions replaced Windows Media Center.
This Windows version also comes with a new web browser “Edge” and a virtual personal assistant, “Cortana”, Microsoft’s version of Siri.
For now, only Window 7 and Window 8.1 users can have free upgrade and the rest will have to purchase for licensed versions of the OS.
On the question of Windows 10 being the saving grace of Microsoft in the mobile industry, Forrester analyst Frank Gillett said the software giant still has to face a long road ahead.
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