Windows 10 Offers Smoother Experience, Free Upgrade Options

January 21, 2015 - Microsoft says its new operating system will be a free upgrade for anyone running Windows 7 or 8.1, as well as mobile users with Windows Phone 8.1.

Company executives unveiled a suite of new features for Windows 10, which will be released to the public later this year. First and foremost, it will be a free upgrade for existing Windows users, so long as they're not running Vista or below. In the past, Windows users have been forced to pay for upgrades.

Microsoft executives Terry Myerson and Satya Nadella discuss the new version of Windows

Another big new feature is called Continuum. It's aimed at people who are running Windows on multiple platforms, and is designed to unify the user experience. With current versions of Windows, switching between mobile and desktop devices is not a smooth process. Continuum promises to make the process simple and intuitive.

Microsoft's unloved browser, Internet Explorer, will be rebooted as Spartan. The browser has been built from the ground up in order to fix Internet Explorer's shortcomings and compete with the likes of Chrome and Firefox. Spartan's features include voice commands and context-based actions - for instance, if you go to a restaurant's website, Spartan can pull up directions to the restaurant and reviews.

Windows 10 also offers a full suite of features for its Xbox video game console, improving integration between consoles and computers. Gamers will be able to stream gameplay from their Xbox to their PC, record footage and even play multiplayer games against players on different platforms.

The new version of Windows features extensive Xbox integration

Windows 10 has no firm release date, but is scheduled for release sometime in 2015.