Microsoft Unveils Windows 10

(RTTNews) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT) on Wednesday showcased Windows 10, the much-awaited new version of its operating system, as it pushes to usher in a new era of more personal computing, as well as two new devices designed to extend the Windows experience from large screens to no screens.

The software giant said Windows 10 will run across a broad range of devices - from Xbox to PCs and phones to tablets and tiny gadgets - and would be delivered as a service to offer a safer and innovative experience for the supported lifetime of the device.

"Windows 10 marks the beginning of the more personal computing era in the mobile-first, cloud-first world," said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. "Our ambition is for the 1.5 billion people who are using Windows today to fall in love with Windows 10 and for billions more to decide to make Windows home."

At an event in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft showcased a range of new experiences coming to the Windows 10, including the Cortana personal digital assistant that will now be available on Windows 10 PCs and tablets to help people get things done. Cortana debuted on Windows Phone last year.

Windows 10 will feature the new Microsoft browser, code-named "Project Spartan," with focus on interoperability. The browser has key features built-in natively to it and would enable greater reliability and better discoverability, Microsoft said.

Key features in the browser include the ability to annotate whether by keyboard or pen directly on the web page and easily share with friends; a reading view that is distraction-free; and the integration of Cortana for finding and doing things online faster.

Also Xbox Live and the new Xbox app bring new gaming experiences to Windows 10. Xbox on Windows 10 lets gamers and developers access the best of the expansive Xbox Live gaming network on both Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One.

Players can capture, edit and share their gaming moments with Game DVR, and play new games with friends across device.

The company also laid emphasis on Office universal apps on Windows 10, with new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint,

Microsoft said a free upgrade for Windows 10 will be made available to customers running Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, who upgrade in the first year.

Also Microsoft also unveiled a new hologram system. The headset and motion controller will enable the user to do stuff like design objects, video chat and play games.

The company also showcased a Surface Hub, an 84-inch screen that you can use as a white board or to run a larger version of Skype and PowerPoint.

Windows 10 was initially unveiled in September 2014 as a successor to Windows 8.1, to address shortcomings in the user interface introduced by Windows 8 by improving the user experience for non-touchscreen devices.

MSFT is trading at $45.78, down $0.61 or 1.31%, on a volume of 28 million shares on the Nasdaq.