The Windows 10 launch event in Singapore was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 is now widely accessible, offered as a free upgrade for a limited time or with new computer systems and tablets in 190 countries. This latest version introduces features like Windows Hello, Cortana, an Xbox app, and the Microsoft Edge browser, aiming to deliver a familiar yet enhanced user experience.

Jessica Tan, Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, highlighted that Windows 10 empowers individuals and groups to achieve remarkable things. The launch signifies a new computing era in Singapore and globally. The platform’s innovations make computing more personal, productive, and secure, catering to consumers, students, professionals, and businesses.

Tan expressed Microsoft’s enthusiasm for the positive feedback from over 5 million Windows Insiders and the high number of reservations. The company anticipates collaborations with developers, retailers, and device partners to create innovative apps, services, devices, and experiences for Windows 10. Windows 10 is available as a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and 8 users for one year, and Microsoft encourages everyone to upgrade.

Joy Quek, Windows Business Group Lead at Microsoft Singapore, emphasized that Windows 10 will personalize computing for all Windows users. Acknowledging the prevalence of multi-device ownership, she explained that Windows 10 seamlessly integrates across different device types, prioritizing user experience and mobility.

As the most secure Windows version, Windows 10 is delivered as a continuously updated service, providing automatic innovation and security updates. It offers a unified experience across a wide array of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, and HoloLens. Over 2,000 devices or configurations are already in the testing phase. The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit are also available, opening avenues for more new app experiences on Windows 10.

Terry Myerson, Executive VP of the Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft, declared that a new era for Windows begins with this launch. He highlighted that Windows 10 was distinctive from its inception, incorporating feedback from over 5 million users, offered as a service, and provided as a free upgrade. Myerson believes Windows 10 realizes their vision for more personal computing with its natural, mobile, and trusted experience. Together with their partners, Microsoft is thrilled to deliver this enhanced version of Windows, which they believe will empower individuals and organizations worldwide.

Windows 10 is being positioned as the most exceptional version yet, incorporating voice, pen, and gesture input for natural interaction with PCs. The return of the Start menu and Live Tiles provide instant updates, and the platform boasts enhanced security features with improvements to Windows Defender and SmartScreen, designed to protect against viruses, malware, and phishing. Innovations like Windows Hello offer a fast, secure, password-free login experience.

Staying updated is also effortless, as complimentary updates will keep users current with the latest features and security enhancements for the entirety of their device’s supported lifespan.

Some key highlights include:

Cortana, the personal digital assistant, simplifies information retrieval at the right time. Currently, Cortana is accessible in Australia, China, India, and Japan.

Users can now write directly on web pages using the Edge browser and a touch screen and share that information.

The new Microsoft Edge browser streamlines browsing, reading, annotation, and sharing.

Windows 10 allows two players to enjoy the same Xbox game, with one person using a laptop and the other using the Xbox console in different locations.

The integrated Xbox app seamlessly brings the Xbox experience to Windows 10, unifying games and achievements across Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.

Continuum optimizes app and experience transitions between touch and desktop modes.

Built-in apps include Photos, Maps, Microsoft’s new music app, Groove, and Movies & TV. OneDrive facilitates easy file sharing and synchronization across devices.

The Microsoft Phone Companion app enables iPhones, Android devices, or Windows phones to interact with Windows 10 devices.

The Windows Store offers the all-new Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 tablets. The Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps provide a consistent, touch-centric experience for smaller tablets. OneNote comes pre-installed on Windows 10 for digital note-taking, while the upcoming release of Office desktop apps (Office 2016) will focus on keyboard and mouse precision, optimized for large-screen PCs, laptops, and 2-in-1 devices like the Surface Pro.

Open for business

Windows 10 is touted as the most rigorously tested Windows version. This operating system is designed to assist companies in defending against modern cyber threats, enhancing employee experiences, and fostering continuous innovation with a platform that keeps them updated with the latest technology. Businesses can manage the frequency of their updates and select the features and functionalities suitable for different employee groups.

Windows 10 incorporates built-in, enterprise-grade security, allowing customers to transition from passwords to more secure alternatives, safeguard corporate data and identities, and run only trusted software. New management and deployment tools simplify device management, potentially reduce costs, and empower companies by leveraging the robustness of the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Apps at the Windows Store

The revamped Windows Store is now accepting new apps for Windows 10. It is the only store where users can leverage Cortana for voice-controlled apps and receive real-time app tile notifications. For enhanced device security, all Windows Store content is Microsoft-certified. In addition to existing Windows 8.1 apps such as Netflix, Flipboard, Mint.com, Asphalt 8: Airborne, and The Weather Channel, the Windows Store offers a continuous flow of new and updated Universal Windows Apps and games. This includes Twitter, Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition beta, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Candy Crush Saga, and others, with WeChat and QQ soon to follow.

Guenter Weimer, General Manager of Windows and Surface at Microsoft Asia Pacific, articulated their ambitious vision for Windows 10, aiming to provide consumers and enterprises with a single, unified platform, store, and experience across a diverse range of devices. In this age of increasingly personalized computing, Windows 10 users can anticipate universal apps that deliver consistent and innovative experiences across their devices.

Upgrading tips

Upgrading to Windows 10 is designed to be straightforward for users with genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PCs or tablets. Those who reserved their upgrade will receive notifications in waves when it’s ready for installation. For business clients, Windows 10 deployment within their work environments is now possible. Starting August 1st, organizations with volume licensing subscriptions can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Retail partners are equipped to assist users with the upgrade process, supported by their most extensive tech bench program to date, which includes over 100,000 trained retailers and thousands of stores globally. Free upgrade programs are now available, with Windows 10 software generally becoming available in retail stores worldwide between mid-August and September. While devices running Windows 10 are already available in certain retail outlets, the availability will expand significantly in the coming weeks and months.

Weimer underscored their commitment to bringing Windows 10 to as many consumers and organizations in the Asia Pacific region as possible over the next few months. In addition to online upgrades, Microsoft is collaborating with over 50 major IT retailers in the region to establish more than 800 Tech Bench locations. These locations will provide support to consumers transitioning from Windows 7 and 8 to this new Windows version. Weimer also announced the broadest range of Windows hardware ever, available by this holiday season, for consumers and businesses seeking the latest Windows 10 devices.

Bryan Ma, Vice President of Client Devices at IDC Asia/Pacific and Worldwide, expressed optimism about the launch. He believes Microsoft has significantly improved with Windows 10, predicting they could surpass their goal of 1 billion Windows 10 devices within two to three years. Ma pointed out that the user interface (UI) is significantly more refined and intuitive for consumers, and commended the company’s close collaboration with the crucial commercial user segment to bring the OS to its current state.

While similarly positive about Windows 10, Joe Sweeney, an Advisor at IBRS, advised businesses to reassess their operations to fully benefit from a version of Windows that functions seamlessly across various locations and devices.

He predicts that Microsoft’s consumer-focused approach will likely succeed in migrating the public to Windows 10 faster than prior releases. This will, in turn, push enterprise IT departments to support Windows 10 within the next 6 to 18 months. Although Windows 10 presents a relatively smooth update from a technical perspective, Sweeney advises against a simple upgrade. Instead, he urges enterprise IT departments to fundamentally rethink their desktop-centric work environments and develop a digital workspaces strategy that encompasses all locations, devices, and times work is conducted. With this understanding, he suggests that Windows 10’s scope, along with other relevant tools and technologies, can be utilized to transform the business rather than simply replicating past practices.

#UpgradeYourWorld

As part of the Windows 10 initiative, Microsoft encourages individuals to share how they plan to #UpgradeYourWorld. They are also asking for votes to decide which global nonprofit should receive a cash donation, simply by mentioning the nonprofit in a post on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter using the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorld and #vote.

Microsoft has chosen nine nonprofit organizations to receive a donation, including Code.Org, The Nature Conservancy, Save the Children, CARE, the Malala Fund, and the Special Olympics.

The tenth nonprofit will be determined by public vote and will receive US$500,000, Microsoft technology, and services – part of a US$10 million investment by Microsoft in organizations dedicated to positive global change. Nonprofits with at least one branch outside their home country are eligible, and individuals can vote once daily per social platform until the end of August. Starting September 1st, votes for local nonprofits will be considered.

Interested?

Learn more about upgrading, discovering new and compatible devices, and exploring apps for Windows.

Find out more about Upgrade Your World

1 The limited-time free upgrade offer applies to qualifying genuine Windows 7 and 8/8.1 devices. Specific hardware and software prerequisites apply. For details, see the provided link.

2 Specialized hardware, such as a fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor, or other biometric sensors, is necessary for Windows Hello.

3 Cortana is currently accessible in Australia, China, Japan, and India within the Asia Pacific region. The experience may vary based on location and device.

4 An Office 365 subscription is required to edit Office apps on Windows 10 PCs or larger tablets.

5 Hardware dependent.

6 Certain apps and content are sold separately. The availability and experience of apps and content may differ based on region and device.