Microsoft's Windows 10 'Changes The Rules Of The Game' With Noteworthy New Features; OS Will Be Rolled Out Later This Year

Tags: microsoft; windows; Windows 10

BY jakewriter Jan 21, 2015 10:39 PM EST

After a disastrous attempt to update Windows 7 with Windows 8 and its update Windows 8.1, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has unveiled its brand new OS, Windows 10.

The new OS and its noteworthy features will be available for cellular phones and PCs later this year.

At its Seattle-based headquarters, Microsoft detailed how the Windows 10 would operate across the board - desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Microsoft's operating systems unit chief, Terry Myerson said in a CNNMoney report, "Today really is a monumental day for Windows."

"Windows 10 is so much more than the latest version of Windows. Windows 10 changes the rules of the game," he added.

Despite the high profits brought in by Windows sales, Microsoft is changing its strategy to adopt a business model that is more consistent with Apple - offering software for free. Similar to a tab or tablet upgrade, Microsoft's new operating system will be available as a free update for anyone using Windows 8.1.

Here are some of the noteworthy new features of Windows 10:

HoloLens

HoloLens is a feature that is equipped with a holographic processing chip that has the capacity to make sense of gestures, voice and where the user is looking. It can map the world and display holograms that appear to be in thin air or on objects that surround.

Cortana

Cortana is Microsoft's version of Siri. The feature will also be part of Windows 10. When voice commands are used by using voice commands, Cortana can show notifications, stock information, sports news, and other functions typical of smartphone voice assistants.

"Project Spartan"

Now that the IE has been killed on the Windows 10, Microsoft has developed "Project Spartan."

"Spartan will include reading lists (think Pocket in your browser), a distraction-free reading mode and a built-in PDF viewer," Tech Crunch reported.

"It will also include support for Cortana. This means the browser will know about your upcoming flights, which will pop up right in the browser’s search bar."

Start Menu

After being removed from Windows 8, Microsoft announced that the Start Menu will make a full comeback in Windows 10.

The new Windows 10 Start menu will also contain more personalized space for favorite apps, websites and programs. This can be seen on a full-screen Windows 8-type display and tiles, resembling a drawer of apps.