A very early and incomplete build of Microsoft's upcoming Windows 10 operating system update is live for anyone to boot up and test out during the ongoing development process.
Microsoft Officially Announced Windows 10 Earlier This Week
The Windows Insider Program offers PC users the chance to test out Windows 10 as it's being developed. As would be expected from a piece of software with another year left until release, the preview comes with its fair share of bugs. Microsoft also warns that some of the program's features will only be halfway functional. But those who join the program have the unique opportunity to offer feedback and help Microsoft figure out the direction they should go with Windows 10.
What early adopters will see in Windows 10 is the triumphant return of the Windows Start screen. For those who were glad to see the Start screen of old leave in Windows 8, it can be disabled in the Technical Preview.
One Microsoft Exec Said That The Next Major Windows Update Would Be A Free One
Another new change in Windows 10 is that apps from the Windows Store now open in a window, just like any other program. These windows will then benefit from the software's upgraded snapping function, which supports four apps snapped to the screen at once. Windows Store apps, however, require a full half screen to snap into, unlike other apps that can be sent to a corner.
Windows 10 is also taking a couple cues from Apple's OS X with the addition of a task view button and multiple desktops. The updated task view lets users see all of their currently running apps at once for easy selection. Multiple desktops let users create separate work stations for themselves while staying on one machine. Users can set up a desktop for work and another for games, which makes switching between the two setups easier than ever.
The finished Windows 10 product is set to release sometime in 2015. Microsoft hasn't officially commented on a price, but some reports say that Windows 10 will be a free upgrade from Windows 8.