Microsoft has hinted that Windows 10 will replace the current interfaces for both Windows Phone and Xbox. The company didn't reveal any specifics about the fate of its mobile operating system or gaming interface yesterday, but it's clear that Microsoft's latest version of Windows, previously code-named Windows Threshold, won't be limited to just PCs, laptops and tablets.
In a statement yesterday, the company said, "Windows 10 adapts to the devices customers are using — from Xbox to PCs and phones to tablets and tiny gadgets — and what they’re doing with a consistent, familiar and compatible experience, enabling even greater productivity."
Executive Vice President of the Operating Systems group at Microsoft Terry Myerson also showed off the complete Windows 10 product family at Microsoft's Windows 10 unveiling yesterday, showing off what the operating system could look like on its range of mobile devices and gaming consoles.
While the image is likely a mock-up, it suggests that Microsoft's mobile operating system will retain the same tile-based interface currently available on Windows Phone 8.1 while Xbox will look something more akin to the current Windows 8.1 metro start screen.
The image also shows that Windows 10 will begin to change as display sizes become larger, with a more traditional desktop start screen beginning to appear on what seems to be 7-8in tablet screens while larger devices will get a choice between desktop and touch interfaces.
Myerson also stated on the Microsoft blog that, "Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices – from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise datacenters worldwide. Some of these devices have 4 inch screens – some have 80 inch screens – and some don’t have screens at all. Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture – and some devices can switch between input types. We’re not talking about one UI to rule them all – we’re talking about one product family, with a tailored experience for each device."
Likewise, apps developed for Windows 10 will be able to run across all devices. "There will be one store, one way for applications to be discovered, purchased and updated across all of these devices,"said Myerson, further hinting that Windows 10 will be the dominant operating system across Microsoft's entire product range.
Windows 10 will be released sometime in 2015, but starting today Microsoft will be launching the Windows Insider Program, making the Technical Preview open to willing participants. Those interested in testing out Microsoft's latest OS for themselves can sign up for the program at preview.windows.com.
