Yahoo – AFP,
Glenn Chapman, 21 Jan 2015
 |
Microsoft
executive Terry Myerson describes features being built into coming
Windows 10
software at a press event in Redmond, Washington, on January 21,
2015 (AFP
Photo/Glenn Chapman)
|
Redmond
(United States) (AFP) - Microsoft pulled back the curtain Wednesday on the
upcoming Windows 10 operating system focused on bringing harmony to the diverse
array of Internet gadgets in people's lives.
As it
previewed the new operating system, Microsoft also unexpectedly added to the
roster of modern gadgets with the unveiling of headgear that overlays holograms
on the real world and lets wearers use their hands to interact with virtual
objects.
Microsoft
chief executive Satya Nadella touted HoloLens capabilities that will debut with
Windows 10 later this year as the next generation of computing.
 |
Microsoft
executives Joe Belfiore (L),
Terry Myerson and Alex Kipman pose
wearing
HoloLens eyewear that overlays
3D images on the real world, at a press
event in
Redmond, Washington on
January 21, 2015 (AFP Photo/Glenn
Chapman)
|
"The
number of devices is just exploding around us," Microsoft's Terry Myerson
said during a presentation to press and analysts at the company's headquarters
in Redmond, Washington.
"It
should be easy to put one device down and pick up another where you left off;
technology needs to get out of the way."
HoloLens
was touted as an entry to "the world's first holographic computing
platform" which enables users to place three-dimensional holograms in the
physical world.
"Until
now, we've immersed ourselves in the world of technology," Microsoft's
Alex Kipman said while introducing HoloLens.
"But,
what if we could take technology and immerse it in our world?"
Walking
on Mars
Windows
Holographic creates three-dimensional images in the real world, then lets
people wearing the headgear reach out and manipulate virtual objects.
Examples
shown during the event ranged from someone getting visual prompts during a
routine home plumbing repair to being able to virtually walk on Mars and
control a rover lander actually on that planet's surface.
Kipman said
he invited virtual reality innovators, including Facebook-owned Oculus VR, to
explore adapting different applications for the goggles.
"Holograms
can become part of our everyday life," he said.
Nadella
called HoloLens and Windows 10 a "mind-blowing" experience that will
open a new type of computing.
"Today
is a big day for Windows," Nadella said as Microsoft provided a look at
its latest operating system at its headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
"We
want to move from people needing Windows, to choosing Windows, to loving
Windows; that is our bold goal for Windows."
Approximately
1.5 billion people around the world use Windows-powered computers, and
Microsoft is intent on renewing its relevance in a age of mobile computing
dominated by Apple and Google-backed Android software.
Windows 10
is being designed with feedback from millions of "insiders" testing
early versions of the operating system, Myerson said.
IE cedes
to Spartan
Microsoft
is so intent on distancing Windows 10 from its predecessors that it skipped
directly from Windows 8, which failed to deliver on its promise as a platform
for a variety of devices.
The Windows
10 design creates a foundation on which developers can build applications for
smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and Xbox One video game
consoles, he said.
During the first year after the release of Windows 10, the operating system will be available as a free upgrade for computers running prior generation Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 software.
 |
Microsoft
chief executive Satya Nadella touts Windows 10 and HoloLens
capabilities at a
press event in Redmond, Washington on January 21, 2015
(AFP Photo/Glenn
Chapman)
|
During the first year after the release of Windows 10, the operating system will be available as a free upgrade for computers running prior generation Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 software.
Microsoft
said it will also keep Windows 10 upgraded during the lifetime of devices.
Personalized
virtual assistant Cortana, and its touted ability to answer questions
conversationally, will be now available on personal computers. Cortana made her
debut on Windows-powered mobile devices.
Microsoft
also unveiled a new Web browser code-named Spartan, which will have Cortana
built in and ready to chime in at presumably helpful moments.
Spartan is
poised to be the successor to Internet Explorer.
"Project
Spartan is a new browsing experience tuned for being mobile and working across
this family of devices," said Microsoft's Joe Belfiore.
Windows 10
is also designed to hook gamers, according to Xbox team leader Phil Spencer.
Along with
modifications that allow for more sophisticated play on smartphones, an
application for Xbox will let people use Windows 10-powered computers or
tablets at home to play games with or against friends using one of the
Microsoft consoles, Spencer demonstrated.
"I
think there are lots of developers who want to bring their experiences to the
Xbox," Spencer said.
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