Microsoft sends invitations for Windows 10's next chapter MICROSOFT HAS SENT invitations to an event on 21 January to unveil the "next chapter" of Windows 10. The event is expected to reveal the Consumer Preview of Windows 10, and is to be streamed live, unlike the clandestine secrecy of the Technical Preview event in which we learned that Microsoft's marketing department has a blind spot for the number nine. Taking place on campus at Microsoft's Redmond HQ, a variety of senior company bods will be there, including CEO Satya Nadella, suggesting that this is seen as the official launch of the successor to the much-maligned Windows 8. The Windows 10 Technical Preview launched earlier this year has been a big hit with over a million downloads in the first week. It marks a departure for Microsoft which has never previously offered consultation into the creation of the operating system. This is in response to the threat from open source alternatives, and the frosty reception for Windows 8, the first iteration in over two decades not to have the traditional Start menu. Widely anticipated for the consumer launch will be integration with Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant app, which has already been shown integrated into the system, but is yet to make its way into the public's hands. Gaming integration is also expected with an Xbox component, and there seems to be more than enough time for delegates to get a hands-on. As yet, speculation about a new pricing structure for Windows 10, reflecting the availability of free alternatives, has yet to be borne out, but it has been confirmed that Windows 10 users will be able to upgrade to the RTM (release candidate) editions. Releasing a consumer version of Windows 10 would be a big step, judging by the number of frustrations still being felt on the Windows Technet forums, but this was, in part, the purpose of the exercise, rather than debug it after people have parted with their cash as happened with Windows Vista. Also likely to be on show on 21 January is the interface for mobile devices as the company moves toward a single Windows platform for all devices. The first stage of this was the announcement of Universal Apps at this year http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer...ends-invitations-for-windows-10s-next-chapter
Windows 10 Technical Preview hands-on review Windows 7 users will love it. Windows 8 users won't notice the difference more to read here http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/review/2374175/windows-10-technical-preview-hands-on-review Windows 10 Demo (Technical Preview)
