Microsoft on Wednesday announced Windows 10 is officially available in 190 countries as a free upgrade for Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1 users and new PC and tablet users. The company has opened a reservation system, and will be rolling out the upgrade in waves.
The Redmond giant has a lot riding on this release, with the aim of patching up its ecosystem after the consumer reaction to Windows 8. Microsoft is clearing trying to bring the best features from both Windows 7 and Windows 8 to its latest offering, and does provide some tempting features for an upgrade. However, Windows 10 also clearly appears to be a work in progress, with several bugs and issues remaining. Users upgrading from Windows 7 and Windows 8 will also lose some features.
Windows 10 is being called the "most secure Windows ever" by Microsoft, and the firm says the operating system will be "delivered as a service and kept automatically up-to-date with innovations and security updates." It is also calling Windows 10 the last version of Windows.
The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit have also been made available from Wednesday, giving developers full access to making apps for the multi-device ecosystem.
Windows 10 will also become available to buy for new users gradually, both online and via retail stores. No India pricing details are available yet, but in terms of US pricing, Windows 10 Home will be available at $119 (Rs. 7,500 approximately) and Windows 10 Pro will be priced at $199 (Rs. 12,600 approximately).
Microsoft is also offering a $99 (Rs. 6,300 approximately) Windows 10 Pro Pack, that will enable Windows 10 Home users to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. So, you can upgrade from Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 Home for free, then if you feel the need for 'Pro' features, you can shell out the $99 to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
Or, if you are assembling a new PC, you can start off by buying Windows 10 Home, and if you change your mind later, you can go Pro by paying $99, though you end up paying $19 more if you go this route, when compared to a straight Windows 10 Pro purchase.
Commenting on the launch of Windows 10, Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India said, "Windows 10 is the best Windows ever. Today, Windows 10 will be available across 190 countries as a free upgrade or with new PCs and tablets. It is more personal and more productive. It's safer and more secure. And it's familiar and always up to date. In India, more than 1500 retail stores across the country will help consumers move up to Windows 10."
