Microsoft
is to put some numerical distance between its poorly received Windows 8
operating system and its replacement by calling the new version Windows 10. The
new operating system, expected to be released next year, comes three years
after the launch of Windows 8. It was announced at an event aimed at business
users in Seattle.“Windows 10 will be our most comprehensive platform ever,”
Terry Myerson, head of the operating systems group, told the audience. “It
wouldn’t be right to call it Windows 9.”
The
launch is one of several pre-briefings expected over the coming months to sell
the new system to different groups, many of whom were critical of the old system.
Windows
8 introduced major changes in Microsoft’s operating system, aimed at improving
the performance on tablets and other touch-operated devices. The changes came
as the software giant continued to struggle in mobile against Google’s Android
and Apple.
The
overhaul failed to impress many users and businesses who felt the new software
did not deliver for desktop PC users, and who disliked its unfamiliar
tile-based interface. Many declined to upgrade from its predecessor, Windows 7.
Before
the launch, some had speculated the company might signal a new era at Microsoft
by dropping the Windows name altogether. Internally the project had been called
Threshold.
In
an era dominated by mobile devices and cloud computing, Microsoft has been
struggling to adjust. New boss Satya Nadella has been moving away from the
aggressive focus on Windows and PCs that was the hallmark of his predecessor,
Steve Ballmer.
But
the choice of Windows 10 acknowledges how the operating system remains at the
core of Microsoft’s image and its bottom line. Myerson pointed out that there
were about 1.5bn PCs in use on the planet, about the same as the total
estimated number of Android devices. But Android’s growth rate far outstrips
Windows.
“It’s
critical,” said Colin Gillis, analyst at BGC Partners in New York. Even with
the declining PC business Gillis said about 30% of the company’s revenues came
from Windows. But he added that Google’s Android was now the pre-eminent
operating system on the planet.
“This
is the original platform,” said Gillis. “But every other Windows launch hasn’t
worked for them. We had Vista, which was a dud, then we had Windows 7, which
was great, then we had Windows 8.”
Asked
if he thought the hit and miss sequence meant the company had made a mistake
missing 9, Gillis said: “Hey, let’s hope it’s just some marketing stuff.”
Osaghae De Joe
Window 8 wahala too much...
Window 8 wahala too much...
Endy Edeson
Joe, Window 7 is okay for me. Window 8 needs additional training for a newbie. I learnt that in Window 10, start button will be re-introduced
Joe, Window 7 is okay for me. Window 8 needs additional training for a newbie. I learnt that in Window 10, start button will be re-introduced
Nwafor Amaechi
i still prefer window xp
i still prefer window xp
Commzy James
window 8 for life
window 8 for life
Monday Onoja
I love window 8 features, operating it is not hard
I love window 8 features, operating it is not hard
Endy Edeson
yeah @Monday: it's simple to use too but complicated to a newbie
yeah @Monday: it's simple to use too but complicated to a newbie