Microsoft launches Windows 10 in India

NEW DELHI: Microsoft has announced that Windows 10, Microsoft’s new operating system, will be available starting today as a free upgrade or with new PCs and tablets. The phone version of the OS will arrive at a later time.

Windows 10 includes features such as Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-based smart assistant, an Xbox app for gaming and a Microsoft Edge, a new web browser that replaces Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

Windows 10 marks the return of the Start menu in an avatar similar to the one we’ve seen in Windows 7 and earlier releases. It retains Windows 8’s Live Tiles showing streaming updates on app icons.

Windows 10 also comes with enhancements to Windows Defender and SmartScreen to help safeguard against viruses, malware and phishing, in addition to Windows Hello, which offers a fast, secured, password-free way to log in with face recognition.

Windows 10 supports voice, pen and gesture inputs for natural interaction with PCs and allows users to switch between apps and multitask with Snap and Task View. Windows 10 includes built-in apps like Photos; Maps; Microsoft’s new music app, Groove; and Movies & TV (coming to India in the coming months) for entertainment and productivity options.

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

The OS also includes Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 tablets which will be available starting today in the Windows Store for tablets with 10-inch or lower size screens.

Microsoft claims that the operating system is the most secure version of Windows ever – Windows 10 is delivered as a service and kept automatically up-to-date with feature and security updates.

Windows 10 includes built-in enterprise grade security, so customers can replace passwords with more secure options, protect corporate data and corporate identities, and run only the software they trust, says Microsoft.

Windows 10 will be available on a broad range of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, HoloLens and more — with more than 2,000 devices or configurations already in testing as per Microsoft.

The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit will also go live today.

Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India said, “Windows 10 is the best Windows ever. Today, Windows 10 will be available across 190 countries as a free upgrade or with new PCs and tablets. It is more personal and more productive. It’s safer and more secure. And it’s familiar and always up to date. In India, more than 1500 retail stores across the country will help consumers move up to Windows 10. I am excited that many Indian and multinational partners are ready to offer a variety of Windows 10 devices.”

6 popular existing Indian apps such as Zomato, BookMyShow, Jabong, Gaana and Mobikwik, among others, will be available as Universal Windows Apps very soon as well.

Vineet Durani, Director – Windows Business Group, Microsoft India said, “We are entering a new era of Windows. For the first time, we built Windows 10 alongside our customers – the feedback of more than 5 million Windows Insiders helped shape Windows 10. The response from Insiders in India has been overwhelming as well and we are excited to be bringing Windows 10 to India. And what better way to introduce it than by celebrating the Insiders and fans who played such an instrumental role in making this happen.”

Starting today, people who reserved their upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified in phases when their upgrade is ready to be installed. For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within work environments, and starting August 1, organizations that have volume licensing can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Free upgrade programs will be available today, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores between mid-August and September around the world. Devices running Windows 10 will be available in some retail stores around the world between mid-August and September.

In India, more than 1500 retail stores across the country have been equipped with dedicated personnel and internet connectivity to help consumers upgrade to Windows 10, informs Microsoft. This includes Microsoft Priority Reseller stores; leading organized retail chains including Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales in addition to Croma, as well breadth stores.