Earlier this year, Microsoft dropped a bombshell. They announced that home users running Windows 7, and Windows 8 would be able to upgrade to their new Windows 10 operating system for free. Many people were shocked, as this was the first time Microsoft had ever offered a free upgrade to one of their operating systems.
Let me tell you, Microsoft’s new strategy has certainly paid off. In the first 11 weeks of release, Microsoft estimates that Windows 10 is running on over 110 million devices worldwide. Wow! Let’s take look at the buzz surrounding Windows 10, the captivating hardware and compelling software features that makes Windows 10 so popular.
What’s the buzz about Windows 10?
When Windows 10 launched, it had a massive advertising campaign. In an unprecedented move, Microsoft threw 13 colossal Windows launch events all around the world. Giving people hands-on demos of the new operating system, it proved to be popular with customers. Taking it one step further, Microsoft collaborated with global retailers like Best Buy Canada, to help us prepare and upgrade our computers.
I’ll have to admit, my Windows 10 upgrade was a breeze. I dropped of my laptop with Geek Squad, and the next day they gave me a call to tell me it was done. They even showed me how to use Windows 10, and some of the new features. I couldn’t believe just how easy it was! Check out Martin’s article, and see how Geek Squad can get your device up and running with Windows 10 quickly.
It’s not just everyday people that are talking about Windows 10 either, industry professionals are talking about it to. Touted as “The best Windows ever” by Microsoft, you’ll find someone talking about it everywhere you look—TV and online. I was hard pressed to find anyone talking about Windows 8, including Microsoft themselves. A quick check of Microsoft’s Windows website and the only mention of Windows 8 I see is a guide to upgrading your existing Windows 8 PC to Windows 10. Now that’s not to say that Microsoft won’t still support Windows 8, but they really want you to upgrade to the easiest to use Windows yet.
What hardware is driving people to adopt Windows 10?
The Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3 are quite possibly two of the biggest pieces of hardware that are driving people to upgrade to Windows 10. Dubbed as the tablets that can replace your laptop, both are thin, lightweight, and run Windows 10 flawlessly. If you didn’t know, you would think Windows 10 and all of your apps were running on a full sized desktop PC—they’re that fast.
With the Surface tablets, you can connect your peripherals and transfer files via a full-sized USB 3.0 port and micro SD card reader. Heck, you can even connect the Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3 to a TV, monitor, or projector. Totally cool!
On October 6, Microsoft announced the next generation of Windows 10 supported devices. The new Microsoft Band, Surface Pro 4, and Surface Book look amazing. These next generation devices are sure to be crowd pleasers.
What software features are driving people to Windows 10?
Windows 10 is full of new features and improvements. Let’s look at the top 5 features that are driving people like you and I to upgrade to Windows 10.
1. New security features
In today’s world, data breaches, identify theft, and malware are consistent threats that we all face. I myself have been a victim of identity theft, and let me tell you it’s not fun. With these factors brought to the forefront, Microsoft has built Windows 10 with your security in mind.
Windows 10 takes a modern approach to identity and user credentials by having multi-factor authentication built right into the operating system and device itself. So what does all this mean? The days of having to create and remember a long complicated password are over. You can essentially log on to a Windows 10 device by using your fingerprint, or by facial recognition. Now that’s awesome!
Wait, there’s even more security features included in Windows 10. You can configure Windows 10 to encrypt data, email, website content and other sensitive information as it arrives on your computer. Another security feature you will love is the ability to only run trusted apps. Take that hackers!
To sum it all up, Windows 10 is equipped better than any other Windows operating system to keep your technology projected, your data secure, and your whole family safe. Make sure and check out Geek Squad’s awesome security tips to help keep you protected online.
2. Universal apps
We all have a variety of different devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop PCs, and gaming consoles. In addition, each of these devices has their own app store to install software. If you wanted to install Netflix on all of your devices, you would have to go through the painstaking process of downloading Netflix to each device individually. With universal apps this problem is solved, you’ll just have to visit one app store and from there you can download the app to your phone, tablet, PC, and soon your Xbox One.
New universal apps are being developed all the time. Just recently, Microsoft announced a unified messaging app. It integrates Skype messaging, calling and video all into one. Additionally, the new unified messaging app will also bring messaging notifications to your Windows 10 Action Centre. This makes it even easier to respond to those important messages quickly.
3. Continuum
Windows 10 has a neat feature called Continuum. Essentially it adapts your Windows 10 tablet, hybrid, and even smartphone’s screen to the mode you want to use it in. Raj explained Continuum best by using the example of his Surface Pro 3. Just by detaching the keyboard, Windows 10 prompted Raj to enable tablet mode—a more suitable interface without the use of a keyboard and mouse.
In the near future, Continuum will allow you to turn your Windows 10 powered smart phone into a pseudo PC. Simply by connecting your phone though the Microsoft Display Dock, you can use your apps in the same way as you would on a PC by using a second screen. Holy cow!
4. A new personal Assistant
One of my favourite features on my iPhone is Siri. I can talk to Siri just as if I was talking to a friend, and can get things done faster that I normally would. From sending messages, to scheduling meetings I can pretty much do it all hands free.
Just like Siri, Cortana, your Windows 10 personal assistant, can help you out. Previously only available on Windows phones, she is there to allow you to start up applications, find files, and perform Internet searches. This makes using Windows 10 so much easier!
5. Phone Companion
Microsoft has now decided to embrace and fully support Android and iOS. You’ll even see that most of Microsoft’s apps are now available for those devices. Simply by running the Phone Companion app from the Start menu, and following the step-by-step guide you’ll have your smart phone working smoothly with all the data and apps.
Sounds great doesn’t it? Now when you take a photo or video on your smart device, you no longer have to manually transfer them to your computer. Using OneDrive, they will all be available to access on your smart devices and Windows 10 computers. Now that’s convenient!
Final thoughts
As you can see, Microsoft is well on its way to expanding its reach and popularity of Windows 10 as a common platform for all computing devices. With all the buzz surrounding this new operating system, the captivating hardware and compelling software features have made Windows 10 the talk of the town. I have no doubt, that Microsoft will have continued success with Windows 10 for many years.
