Microsoft has finally put speculation on the release date of its latest operating system to rest. The Verge is reporting that Windows 10, the successor to Windows 8 and the ninth iteration of the tech super giant's flagship product, will be available on July 29, 2015 in 190 countries.
Microsoft had previously given Windows 10 a tentative summer release window. Earlier today, rumours of a possible August 31 release circulated the Tech world when a product listing for Windows 10 appeared on the website of online retailer Newegg.com. Microsoft's official date is just over a month earlier than that and gives them just two months to ensure that the software is ready for the estimated 1.5 billion Windows users globally.
To drum up anticipation for the launch, Microsoft has included a notification in its latest Windows 7 and 8.1 updates. A small pop up now appears on user's notification areas, encouraging them to secure their free upgrade to Windows 10.
Microsoft had previously promised that Windows 7 and 8.1 users will get to upgrade to Windows 10 for free if the upgrade is performed within one year of the OS' release. The company stressed that this does not mean Windows 10 is 'free for only 1 year'. Anyone who makes the upgrade will have it free for life.
Windows 10 brings with it a host of new features. Microsoft's long running Internet Explorer browser was scrapped last year to make way for its successor, called Edge. Cortana, Microsoft's virtual voice assistant, which made its debut on Windows Phone 8.1 is also making its way into Windows 10.
Other features include new versions of MS Office, better support for gamers thanks to DirectX 12, and an overhauled start menu that now features the live tiles which previously debuted in Windows 8's metro menu.
The biggest feature Microsoft is touting are the new universal apps, which are designed to run on any device in the Windows 10 family. These include PCs, Tablets, Smartphones, and the Xbox One gaming console.
