Microsoft previews Windows 10, opens it to developers

04th October 2014
Microsoft previews Windows 10, opens it to developers

Bangalore, October 4 2014: Microsoft has unveiled a ‘Technical Preview’ of its next Windows version which is to be called Windows 10, skipping the number 9  to seemingly  signal a break from the past – and the underwhelming Windows 8.
For a start ( pardon the pun!)  the Start Menu is back . This will be reassuring to those who refused  to move from Windows7—though the tiled menu of Windows 8 is retained.   Now you can create desktops for different purposes and projects and switch between these  easily and pick up where you left off on each desktop.  A "novel way" to separate corporate and personal data is promised.

Here is what Microsoft has to say about what to expect with Windows 10
Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows. Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices – from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise datacenters worldwide. Some of these devices have 4 inch screens – some have 80 inch screens – and some don’t have screens at all. Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture – and some devices can switch between input types.
And for developers in India, Windows 10 opens up some new opportunities: "And across this breadth of devices, we are delivering one application platform for our developers. Whether you’re building a game or a line of business application, there will be one way to write a universal app that targets the entire family." 
Key features
Start menu: The familiar Start menu is back, but it brings with it a new customizable space for your favorite apps and Live Tiles.
Everything runs in a window: Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop apps do and can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing for maximize, minimize, and close with a click
Snap enhancements: You can now have 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: There’s a new task-view button on the taskbar for quick switching between open files and quick access to any desktops you create.
Multiple desktops: Create desktops for different purposes and projects and switch between these desktops easily and pick up where you left off on each desktop.
Find files faster: File Explorer now displays your recent files and frequently visited folders making for finding files you’ve worked on is easier.

The adventurous  can download the technical preview edition –though the rest of us have to wait till 2015 to try it out.