Microsoft Unveils Windows 10

(RTTNews) - Software giant Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Tuesday unveiled the next version of its popular operating system, Windows 10, touted as its "most comprehensive platform ever."

At an event in San Francisco focused on corporate users, Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Operating Systems group at Microsoft said, "Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect."

The company also provided a first look at an early technical preview for the PC available October 1.

While the software maker initially codenamed Windows 10 as Windows Threshold, media speculated the new operating system will be called Windows 9 or Windows One and Windows X.

Microsoft said the latest operating system will run run across an "incredibly broad set of devices," from smartphones to tablets to PCs and Xbox games consoles. "We're not talking about one UI to rule them all - we're talking about one product family, with a tailored experience for each device," the Redmond, Washington-based company said.

With Windows 10, Microsoft expects millions of its customers who still use Windows 7 to switch to the latest operating system. The company pointed out the transition for Windows 7 users to Windows 10 will be more comfortable than the Windows 8 two years ago.

"We want all these Windows 7 users to have the sentiment that yesterday they were driving a first-generation Prius, and now with Windows 10 it's like a Tesla," said Microsoft's Joe Belfiore at a press event in San Francisco, California.

Developers will be able to write an application once and deploy it easily across multiple device types, making discovery, purchase and updating easier than ever for customers.

Windows 10 also brings back the Start Menu, which was done away in the Windows 8 version. With the Start Menu users will be able to access functions and files that they use most, and also includes a new space to personalize with favorite apps, programs, people and websites.

Windows 10 also features a multiple desktops function, which allows users to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects. A new Task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files, allowing for quick switching and one-touch access to any desktop created.

MSFT is currently trading at $46.03, down $0.41 or 0.89%, on the Nasdaq.