Microsoft has announced that its next operating system, Windows 10, will be provided as a free upgrade to those who already have Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.
The freebie will be available only during the first 12 months of its release.
The offer is a change in strategy as Microsoft previously charged for major updates. But uptake of Windows 8 was relatively slow, so the free offer may propel Windows 10 more quickly.
One analyst from Forrester consultancy claimed that “only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8”.
Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore presented Windows 10 at a meeting in California, saying that it has the same operating system for devices of all sizes, rather than different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and its Xbox games console.
He demonstrated how the software could be told to:
- bring up Powerpoint presentation documents
- locate photos taken during a specific month
- dictate and send emails
Attention was paid to an improved version of Cortana, the command system responding to voice rather than a mouse and keypad, and what it will allow users to do without touching or clicking.
