Microsoft has today announced that Windows 10 will be available July 29 in 190 countries, including New Zealand, as a free upgrade to people using Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, featuring the widely predicted return of the Start menu.
Frazer Scott, Marketing & Operations Director for Microsoft NZ, says the July 29 launch of Windows 10 will be a significant moment for New Zealand, as it will bring a “new level of personal computing” to both individuals and Kiwi businesses.
“Windows 10 empowers you to be more productive with a personal and natural experience that works across all your devices - phone, tablet, laptop, Xbox and PC,” Scott says.
“It’s familiar, yet better than ever, and will deliver ongoing feature innovations and security updates.
“What’s more - it’s easier than ever to upgrade, because from the 29th July, there will be a new icon appear on your PC’s System Tray: the Get Windows 10 App, which will provide an easy path to follow for getting your upgrade underway.”
Scott says there are currently around two million devices in New Zealand running either Windows 7 or 8.1, and Microsoft is forecasting hundreds of thousands more new Windows devices to ship to the New Zealand market this year.
“Windows 10 is a new generation of Windows designed to empower you to do great things,” added Terry Myerson, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft, from the company’s Redmond headquarters earlier today.
“Windows 10 starts to deliver on our vision of more personal computing, defined by trust in how we protect and respect your personal information, mobility of the experience across your devices, and natural interactions with your Windows devices, including speech, touch, ink, and holograms.”
As forecast, Windows 10 brings back the Start menu, a move which Redmond says “starts fast, resumes fast and enables batteries to last longer.”
Security speaking, Windows 10 includes Windows Defender for free anti-malware protection, and a commitment to deliver free ongoing security updates for the supported lifetime of the device.
Optimised for both keyboard and touch, the Windows 10 upgrade is also designed to be compatible with Windows device and applications.
Upgrade Availability
On July 29, people can get Windows 10 for PCs and tablets by taking advantage of the free upgrade offer, or on new Windows 10 device retailers.
New Windows 8.1 devices will also easily upgrade to Windows 10 and many retail stores will help upgrade new devices.
Starting today, people can reserve their free upgrade if they choose. More information is available at Windows.com.
Microsoft adds that Windows 10 for other devices will be available later this year.
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