Windows 10 – five key features

Five key features

A universal approach – With Windows 10, Microsoft aims to offer a consistent touch-first experience across phones, tablets and PCs. The Microsoft Office suite has been redesigned from the ground up to run on all Windows 10 devices, while still retaining the familiar Office features.

Apps like Word, PowerPoint and Excel will look and feel the same on tablets and phones as they do on desktop PCs, but they’ll be optimised for touchscreens. A new ‘continuum mode’ has been designed to allow a smooth transition between laptop and tablet modes for users of 2-in-1 devices.

Cortana for all – Microsoft’s digital assistant will now be available on all devices with Windows 10, including desktops, laptops and tablets. The idea is to make it easier and faster to access important information – whether talking or typing – and to introduce some continuity across all your devices. Cortana will also have advanced control features to ensure your information stays safe and secure.

‘Project Spartan’ – The code-named ‘Project Spartan’ browser has been designed and built just for Windows 10. The next generation browser lets you annotate webpages by keyboard or pen before sharing them with others through the built-in sharing features. Among other features is a distraction-free reading view, and the integration of Cortana should make finding and doing things online easier and faster.

Xbox on Windows 10 – Windows 10 users will be able to access the Xbox Live gaming network through an Xbox app on both Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One. Features include an automated recording feature that allows gaming fans to capture, edit and share their progress using the Game DVR tool, and the ability to stream games directly from an Xbox One console to a Windows 10 tablet or PC. Cross-platform multiplayer gaming means that a player on an Xbox One will be able to compete with others on Windows 10 PCs.

A holographic computing platform – Microsoft revealed that every Windows 10 device will support holographic APIs through Windows Holographic. This computing platform allows developers to create holographic experiences, such as 3D holograms of Windows universal apps. The Microsoft HoloLens is an untethered holographic computer, allowing you to view, hear and interact with holograms. There was no word on when the HoloLens will launch – or what it will cost.