A Preview of Windows 10: Windows 10 is the next generation of Microsoft’s device OS that adapts to the devices you’re on and what you’re trying to get done, with a consistent, familiar, and compatible experience that enables you to be more productive.
Future Features
Here is a quick introduction to the first highlighted key features of Windows 10 that are included in the released Technical Preview. This is a sneak peak, and not an exhaustive list of final product features. But what might we be looking forward to?
- Expanded Start Menu: The familiar Start menu is back, providing one-click access to the functions and files that people use most, and includes a new space to personalize with favorite apps, programs, people, and websites.
- Apps run in a window: Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, have title bars at the top allowing for maximizing, minimizing, and closing with a click.
- Snap Enhancements: Working in multiple apps at once is easier and more intuitive with snap improvements. Have up to four apps snapped on the same screen with a new quadrant layout. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping and even make smart-suggestions on filling available screen space with other open apps.
- New Task View Button: 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 desktops created.
- Virtual Desktop: Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it’s easy to create and switch between distinct desktops.
Enterprise Specific Features
Windows 10 will include features designed for businesses, including ones specifically to address their need for improved security and management. Some of these issues to be addressed include:
- User identities for accessing devices, apps, and sites that improve resistance to breach, theft, or phishing.
- An additional layer of protection using containers and data separation at the application and file level—enabling protection that follows data wherever it goes.
- Tools to deliver more secure and controlled VPN access.
- Reducing the need for time-consuming and costly wipe-and-reload approaches to OS deployment.
- Built-in mobile device management capabilities to embrace new mobile-first, cloud-first scenarios and to bring MDM capabilities to traditional laptops and desktops.
- A new, unified app store to allow for volume app purchases based on existing organizational identity, flexible distribution, and the ability for organizations to reclaim or re-use licenses.
When will Windows 10 be available?
The Windows 10 Technical Preview became available for download and testing in October 2014. Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 will be “generally available” over the summer of 2015.
Information used with permission from Microsoft Ready-to-Go.
