Scanstation Computers Blog Microsoft announces Windows 10 to be free upgrade

So its official Microsoft will be providing Windows 10 as a free upgrade on qualifying systems when it is released later this year, below are some important points we think you should know;-The upgrade offer will apply to systems currently running Windows 7 & Windows 8.1 home & pro versions - This will allow most users an instant upgrade to the latest version of Windows, who doesn't like a FREE upgrade?This upgrade offer is time limited to the first year after Windows 10 release (we estimate October 2015 through October 2016) - It seems Microsoft want to move as many Windows users to the latest version so will time limit the offer as a carrotWindows 10 Technical Preview 2 Start MenuSo what's in it for me?The Home User - Practically all of the built in apps have been updated including a complete revamp of the photos app, now instead of a raw dump of your photos you can create beautiful albums and easily share them via OneDrive. The start menu is going to return and will adapt depending on the type of device Windows is running on so if you are on a touch first tablet you will get the full screen start experience but if you are on a desktop or laptop you will receive a more familiar pop-up start menu which can also be customised (a welcome return for many).The Gamer - New DirectX 12 APIs deliver better performance from new & existing hardware as well as battery life improvements on mobile devices. Also the new built in Xbox app lets you view your profile, achievements & game clips as well as stream games directly from an Xbox One to any Windows 10 PC or tablet. You can also record clips from within any game and share them online via the Xbox app.Windows 10 Technical Preview 2 Xbox AppThe Business User - Always fancied having your own personal assistant? With Windows 10 Microsoft's Cortana personal assistant is built right into the operating system, she is smart and can be activated with voice commands for example adding diary entries and reminders as well as keeping track of all of your important appointments and information. Keeping your critical business data safe & secure is a major concern for today's company owners, new built in mobile device management features make sure business data can be secured using policies in conjunction with Office 365 for business. The cloud will be central to Windows going forward and we expect tight integration with Office 365 for business & Azure active directory providing industry leading productivity & management capabilities.We have so much more to share as well as new features that are not currently in the preview builds of Windows 10, stay tuned to our blog for more hot news on the future of Windows.At Scanstation we pride ourselves in being your trusted advisors when it comes to home & business IT, with Microsoft's announcement of the free Windows 10 upgrade we are pleased that our customers purchasing Windows 7 & 8.1 desktops, tablets & notebooks will receive added value throughout the life of the device. We will of course be providing upgrade services for those that want their systems upgraded by experts.