Microsoft announced on Monday that Windows 10 will be released on July 29. The platform will be made available across the globe in 190 markets as a free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Customers who are still sporting Windows 8 will need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 first before getting on the Windows 10 bandwagon.
"We designed Windows 10 to run our broadest device family ever, including Windows PCs, Windows tablets, Windows phones, Windows for the Internet of Things, Microsoft Surface Hub, Xbox One and Microsoft HoloLens—all working together to empower you to do great things," said Microsoft's Terry Myerson in a recent blog.
As we've covered in the past, Windows 10 for desktop brings back the Start Menu, although it's a bit different than what's offered in Windows 7. The company has stuffed Live Tiles into the Menu, providing the best of both worlds: the ease of locating installed programs with the quick access of "Metro" Windows apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus and the Settings app.
By working with the public via the Insider Program, Microsoft is striving to make Windows 10 the best operating system ever. That includes introducing a new redesigned Windows Store for providing not only apps and games, but music, movies and TV shows. Of course, users can also install their favorite x86-based programs and games, as well.
As a brief recap, Windows 10 will include Cortana, Microsoft's personal digital assistant that resides on the taskbar. The company will also introduce a sleek web browser called Edge that is capable of zeroing in on a website's text and cutting out the visual distractions (ads, etc.) for easier reading. On the security front, Windows 10 includes Windows Defender, which will protect customers from harmful viruses and malware for free.
Myerson's blog also indicated that Windows 10 will be the ideal platform for PC gaming, as the operating system will come packed with DirectX 12. Got an Xbox One console? You'll be able to stream games from the device to a Windows 10 PC or tablet.
"Xbox on Windows 10 brings the expansive Xbox Live gaming network to both Windows 10 PCs and tablets," Myerson said. "Communicate with your friends on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One – while playing any PC game. You can capture, edit and share your greatest gaming moments with Game DVR, and play new games with friends across devices."
All in all, Windows 10 is shaping up to be an awesome operating system. Current users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 should see a notification on the System Tray for reserving a spot in the Windows 10 upgrade process. For more information about making a reservation, head here.
Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.