Microsoft Reveals All The Versions Of Windows 10

Microsoft has disclosed more details concerning its upcoming launch of Windows 10, revealing a range of products tailored for specific markets.

Despite still not having an official launch date, the company has now detailed the full list of Windows 10 ‘Editions’ – seven versions in total, which includes standalone versions for verticals such as Education and Enterprise.

The company also confirmed the rebrand of its mobile-friendly Windows Phone OS to Windows 10 Mobile, signifying what it hopes will be a unifying cross-platform experience for users thanks to new universal Windows apps that are the same as those included in the home version of Windows 10, as well as the new touch-optimised version of Office. There will also be a new business-optimsied Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise, offering comprehensive mobile device management (MDM) and security options.

Star lineup

Most customers will experience Microsoft’s new tools through Windows 10 Home. Described as the “consumer-focused desktop edition,” this will be the version that ships on most home PCs and laptop.

This edition comes packed with all of the main Windows 10 features, including the new Microsoft Edge browser, Windows Hello face-recognition, and built-in universal apps.

Home workers or those wanting a bit more connectivity will be able to do so with Windows 10 Pro edition. Similar to Windows 8 Pro, this will give business users the ability to connect up to domains and take advantage of Windows Update for Business.

For organisations wanting a purely business-focused offering, there is Windows 10 Enterprise. Designed for medium and large businesses, this includes operating system deployment and comprehensive device and app management tools and gives access to Microsoft’s Long Term Servicing Branch to allow for wider device deployment in the field.

Elsewhere, Windows 10 Education looks to build on Windows 10 Enterprise and meet the needs of school staff, such as  administrators, teachers and students.

Windows 10 IoT Core is targeted at small footprint, low cost devices like gateways, although Microsoft says it will also be releasing tailored versions of Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise for industry devices like ATMs, retail point of sale, handheld terminals and industrial robotics.

Personal

“We designed Windows 10 to deliver a more personal computing experience across a range of devices,” wrote Tony Prophet, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Windows and search marketing.

“An experience optimized for each device type, but familiar to all. Windows 10 will power an incredibly broad range of devices – everything from 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.”

“No matter which Windows 10 device our customers use, the experience will feel comfortable, and there will be a single, universal Windows Store where they can find, try and buy Universal Windows apps.”

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