Windows 10 Continuum: From a Windows 10 to another

Those who attended the conference of January 21 have understood that Microsoft wanted to focus on a common point in all aspects of Windows 10: Continuity. That is, the ability to switch from one device to another without difficulty, including on mobile. The Continuum feature, which evokes the act of moving from one thing to another continuously, has been set up for this purpose.

Windows 10 must take place on all devices, from the smallest to the largest, touchscreen or not, with a keyboard or not. Except that some of the devices today, thanks to Windows 8, which had initiated the transition, are hybrids: both tablets and PCs, touchscreen and use the mouse.

Mix styles like Windows 8 was not a success for traditional PC users despite the rather favorable start menu and good general impression when it came of wielding the home screen and tiled with a touch screen. No questions either to establish two Windows 10, the Windows 8 version "RT" Tablet had only add a little confusion upheaval.

Continuum standby in the background
The solution devised by Microsoft is quite simple and, according to demonstrations conducted by Joe Belfiore during the conference Windows 10 seems to run smoothly. Continuum standby system in background in Windows 10 on hybrid devices and detects the presence or not of a Keyboard accessory/trackpad.

When the user of a hybrid PC as the surface picks up his keyboard to switch to tablet mode with a controlled display only on his finger Continuum comes asking for confirmation of a pressure if he really wants to move in tablet mode. This choice is not imposed but proposed to the user is of course to put the other way when the device is reconnected to the keyboard.

Specifically, when the user agrees to change modes, the start button no longer works in the same way and returns to the home screen instead of displaying the start menu. Optionally running applications open on the desktop go into full screen mode to further ensure there is continuity of operation. They will then be run "on Windows 8", possibly assisted by the snap function to anchor several apps on the screen.

If Continuum is a key point for hybrid devices, the idea of continuity is also preserved on devices across applications. As Microsoft has demonstrated, it will be synchronized and adapted to provide a user experience very similar in Windows 10 with all devices, smartphone to the PC.

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Windows 10 Free: yes, but for whom and for how long ?

It was one of the highly anticipated points of this Microsoft Windows 10 Conference: the price. While this is generally discussed the end of the presentation in this type of exercise, Microsoft was clear from the beginning: it will be free.

Windows 10 will not be available for much everyone but the editor, probably concerned that adoption is fast and followed. And it's logical that users already using a Windows system are honored.

What are affected versions ?
First of all those who have the greatest deserves to have wiped the plasters Microsoft transition to the touchscreen: Windows 8.1 users. They can pass to Windows 10 for free.

Windows 7 users will also have the possibility. Is it a desire to avoid reproducing the "Windows XP effect"? The Microsoft system had indeed survived a little too long to changes of system that the publisher suggested yet at low cost.

Finally, as is known for some time, Windows 10 will be issued on smartphone. The owners of a mobile running Windows Phone 8.1 will also pass under Windows 10 for free.

Uncertainties and limitations
The only clear limitation announced by Microsoft is the time during which all eligible systems will benefit from the upgrade. From the date of official availability, the user will have one year to claim a free upgrade. Again this limitation will encourage more reluctant to not to hesitate.

A service more than just a simple system
Free will also be maintained throughout the life of the product using Microsoft Windows 10 which presents as a service, not an operating system.

And to avoid falling into the multiplicity of version numbers, the new developed will be delivered as soon as it is ready. No more waiting for the next major version of Windows, there will be no other versions of Windows 10, as Windows 10.

We will have the opportunity to return to these points before the final release of Windows 10 planned for the summer or fall.

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Windows 10 conference to follow in live video

The press and media have been invited by Microsoft to follow an event that should teach us a little about Windows 10 on 21 January. Microsoft also offers to all those who wish to follow the conference live via a web page.

Microsoft's next operating system is already in the hands of testers for a few months, but it was only an early stage of development. The Technical Preview of Windows 10 is somewhat equivalent versions of "Alpha" software and should get more information on a more complete version, but still stamped Preview, on this occasion.

A special page Windows 10 Story was set up, it recalls the time and date of the conference, on 21 January at 9:00 PT, that is to say, at 18:00 Paris time. It is also from this page, that it is possible to watch the confernce live.

On his Microsoft blog also indicates that several personalities will be attending whose CEO Satya Nadella.

There is no indication if a new version of Windows 10, as a "Consumer Preview" more oriented public, will be issued on the day of the presentation.

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