Forget Windows 9 and all the noise we’ve been having online. On 30th September, Microsoft unveiled the next Windows: Windows 10.

Microsoft claims that the leap it has made is very big, and incredible, that it is only fair the new OS be termed as Windows 10 and not Windows 9. Although some argue that the new OS is but what should be termed as Windows 7.5. There’s also the view that “Windows XP was great, Vista was bad. Windows 7 was superb, Windows 8 was bad, and Windows 8.1 was better. Windows 9, clearly, would’ve been utter garbage, so Microsoft went straight to 10 — kind of like how construction workers used to skip the 13th floor when they built skyscrapers.” That depends however on people’s opinions. There are many new changes that have inspired the new OS.

First of all: ONE OS FOR ALL. Windows 10 will run on all devices. From phones and tablets to PCs and Xbox games consoles. And all the applications will be sold from a single store. The behaviour of the OS will depend on the type of device with which it is being used. Unlike its predecessor, users will not need to switch between Desktop Mode and the touch-focused alternative.Windows 10 will also be the next version of Windows Phone. “There will be one way to write a universal application, one store, one way for apps to be discovered purchased and updated across all of these devices.” This will definitely attract developers since their single application will be used over very many platforms. Haven’t we all been looking forward to that?

Secondly, START MENU. I have very queer people around me. Some totally refused updating to Windows 8 or 8.1 just because they didn’t have the Start Menu. Seriously. Okay, Microsoft have caved in. The Start Menu is back. This has been done with a twist however. The new Start Menu combines Windows 7 menu with apps from the Metro/Modern UI. Apart from offering a list of the user’s favourite applications, the menu will also brings up tiles that are resizable – similar to those featured in Windows 8’s interface. These tiles will provide a quick view of notifications from relevant applications. You’ll be able to see details of new emails, Facebook messages or even weather.

Microsoft has also looked into the methods of input.Microsoft is calling the new approach ‘Continuum’ and it is an umbrella term for a better merger between to different input methods. Continuum will be able to automatically switch between modes by detecting on how users interact with their device. It also carries over to design aspects like the new Start Menu, windowed apps within the desktop and so forth.

The Technical Preview is now available for download (for free) . Here are the steps on how to get the Preview.

I see this as a winner for Microsoft. This may even prove to be the rise of Windows Mobile devices as people (like me) would prefer one OS on all devices. If only Google would make Android universally installable (usable and efficient) on desktops and laptops…

What do you think of the one OS to rule all?