Software14.05.2015

Windows 10 editions unveiled

By Staff Writer

Windows 10 is set to launch within the next few months, and Microsoft has now shared more details on the Windows 10 editions.

Microsoft said it designed Windows 10 to deliver a more personal computing experience across multiple devices.

Windows 10 will power a broad range of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Xbox One, Microsoft HoloLens, and Surface Hub.

“It will also power the world around us, core to devices making up the Internet of Things, everything from elevators to ATMs to heart rate monitors to wearables,” said Microsoft.

Windows 10 editions

Microsoft will offer various Windows 10 editions.

“These different editions address specific needs of our various customers, from consumers to small businesses to the largest enterprises.”

Windows 10 Home is the consumer-focused desktop edition. It offers a familiar and personal experience for PCs, tablets, and 2-in-1s. Windows 10 is also coming to the Xbox, giving games and gamers access to the Xbox Live gaming community, enabling the capture and share of gameplay and giving Xbox One owners the ability to play their Xbox One games from any Windows 10 PC in their home.
Windows 10 Mobile is designed to deliver the best user experience on smaller, mobile, touch-centric devices like smartphones and small tablets. It has the same Windows apps that are included in Windows 10 Home, as well as the new touch-optimized version of Office.
Windows 10 Pro is a desktop edition for PCs, tablets, and 2-in-1s. It is similar to Windows 10 Home, but offers many extra features to meet the needs of small businesses.
Windows 10 Enterprise builds on Windows 10 Pro, adding advanced features designed to meet the demands of medium and large organisations. Active Software Assurance customers in Volume Licensing can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise as part of their existing Software Assurance benefits.
Windows 10 Education builds on Windows 10 Enterprise, and is designed to meet the needs of schools – staff, administrators, teachers and students. This edition will be available through academic Volume Licensing, and there will be paths for schools and students using Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro devices to upgrade to Windows 10 Education.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise is designed to deliver the best customer experience to business customers on smartphones and small tablets. It will be available to our Volume Licensing customers.
There will also be versions of Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise for industry devices like ATMs, retail point of sale, handheld terminals, industrial robotics, and Windows 10 IoT Core for small footprint, low-cost devices like gateways.

Windows 10 available soon

Microsoft said it is making progress with Windows 10, and is on track to make it available within the next few months.

Microsoft will offer the full versions of Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Mobile, and Windows 10 Pro as a free upgrade for qualifying Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 devices that upgrade in the first year after launch.