Thursday, May 14th 2015

Microsoft Reveals Windows 10 Variants

May 14th, 2015 02:27 Discuss (105 Comments)

Microsoft revealed the six variants in which its next operating system, Windows 10, will ship in. The company decided to unify the Windows 10 brand across its PC, workstation, and handheld platforms. For PCs, workstations, and tablets running x86 processors, the lineup will include the Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Education, and Windows 10 Enterprise.

Windows 10 Home has everything a home and small-business user could ask for (including PC gamers and enthusiasts). It will include the Edge web-browser (so your post-install waltz to Chrome or Firefox websites is a few seconds faster), Microsoft Cortana voice-based assistant, richer Bing integration, Microsoft Hello face-recognition software, and support for biometric login methods. Gamers get DirectX 12 out of the box. Users of Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 8/8.1 get a free upgrade to this edition.

Windows 10 Pro adds features for power-users, such as advanced data protection, remote- and mobile-access, additional cloud features, and remote management for medium-sized businesses. Users of Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Windows 8/8.1 Pro get a free upgrade to this edition.

Windows 10 Education is a brand new SKU designed for schools, colleges, and universities. It will come with features to meed the needs of educators (teachers, management, exam-controllers, computer labs, etc.,). This edition will be sold through specially priced volume licensing to entire counties, groups of institutions, and universities.

Windows 10 Enterprise will be designed for desktops and workstations in a very-large enterprise environment, in which individual machines are expendable, and user data is centralized and portable between machines. It will come with advanced networking, data-security, and remote management features.

In addition, Microsoft is readying two variants of its operating system for smartphones and tablets - Windows 10 Mobile, and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise. Windows 10 Mobile will be targeted at consumer smartphones, and will have a rich feature-set for communication, social-networking, and productivity; while Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise will be designed for devices given by companies to their employees, with access to privileged information and services.

Unfortunately, and breaking tradition, Microsoft didn't disclose box-art, marking Windows' transition from optical disc media, to one that's distributed by any which way possible, while Microsoft only sells licenses (keys). The company already gives away ISO disc images and USB flash drive install media creation tools for Windows 8.1 on its website; while selling licenses.

Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, will be offered as free-forever upgrades to users of equivalent variants of Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, if they upgrade within the first year of Windows 10 launch. Those using pirated Windows 7 may find the upgrade "free," but Microsoft has a slew of anti-piracy measures in store, which kick in after the upgrade.

Microsoft could dramatically change the way it monetizes Windows, in the near future. Gone will be the static $100-ish licenses, and the company will sell Windows as a service, much like Office 365. You choose your desired variant, and pay for using it, monthly or annually. We imagine unpaid installations suffering a worse fate than merely not getting software updates - the OS could become unusable after a "grace period," until you pay up.

On the upside, the monthly or annual fees for each edition could end up quite cheap. Also, the version will no longer be relevant. Microsoft will keep adding big new features every so often (which you normally expect from new versions that require you to buy new licenses). Windows will sell a lot like Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Windows 10 will be released in July, in 111 languages, and in 190 countries.

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105 Comments on Microsoft Reveals Windows 10 Variants

#51

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

jmcslobbut I'm thinking the only way you can record premium channels on NextPVR is within Windows...using WDDM..LOL

I don't see how that would be a problem since Kodi runs in Windows.

#52

ManofGod

There is no subscription on Windows and there never will be. Windows as a service does not equal Windows as a subscription. For those comparing Office 365 to this: I have yet to see Office being sold as Office as a service. Windows 10 Mobile is going to be for those smaller devices and probably Windows Phone as well. The only 2 most will see is Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.

Logic should be the order of the day for IT Pro's but emotions seem to dictate things far to often.

#53

rtwjunkie

PC Gaming Enthusiast

ManofGodThere is no subscription on Windows and there never will be. Windows as a service does not equal Windows as a subscription. For those comparing Office 365 to this: I have yet to see Office being sold as Office as a service. Windows 10 Mobile is going to be for those smaller devices and probably Windows Phone as well. The only 2 most will see is Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.

Logic should be the order of the day for IT Pro's but emotions seem to dictate things far to often.

Then why would they even mention that people who upgrade in the first year will be free forever? If no subscription for regular W10 purchasers, then there is no reason at all to say this.

#54

ManofGod

rtwjunkieThen why would they even mention that people who upgrade in the first year will be free forever? If no subscription for regular W10 purchasers, then there is no reason at all to say this.

Free forever on the machines they upgraded on, not forever as in all of eternity. It is to make it clear that this is not a subscription based Windows at all.

Edit: Although, I am strictly speaking of OEM machines in that case. On a computer such as yours or mine, the license we upgraded with would be transferable to whatever machine we upgraded to hardware wise. Of course this means that it is still a one use, one computer installation.

After the first year, a new build will need a Windows license that you will have to purchase. (That is if you do not use the one you already have.) That is the way it has always been as far as I can remember.

#55

64K

rtwjunkieThen why would they even mention that people who upgrade in the first year will be free forever? If no subscription for regular W10 purchasers, then there is no reason at all to say this.

"Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, will be offered as free-forever upgrades to users of equivalent variants of Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, if they upgrade within the first year of Windows 10 launch. Those using pirated Windows 7 may find the upgrade "free," but Microsoft has a slew of anti-piracy measures in store, which kick in after the upgrade."

I took it that btarunr said "free-forever" because there was some confusion in the last article about Win 10 where some members thought he was saying it would be free for the first year and then they would have to buy it. If there is a subscription fee then I think it will apply to all, even the first year upgraders.

#56

Caring1

ManofGodThere is no subscription on Windows and there never will be. Windows as a service does not equal Windows as a subscription. For those comparing Office 365 to this: I have yet to see Office being sold as Office as a service.

Yet Office 365 has an annual fee or it can't be used.
Just because they don't label it as a service, doesn't mean it isn't sold as one.

#57

ManofGod

Caring1Yet Office 365 has an annual fee or it can't be used.
Just because they don't label it as a service, doesn't mean it isn't sold as one.

If it is not labeled as a service, it is not sold as one. Folks were trying to factor that in to the Windows as a service being a subscription service but there is nothing logical about that.

#58

Caring1

64KI took it that btarunr said "free-forever" because there was some confusion in the last article about Win 10 where some members thought he was saying it would be free for the first year and then they would have to buy it. If there is a subscription fee then I think it will apply to all, even the first year upgraders.

The official Microsoft information release does not mention free for life, it clearly says a free upgrade for the first year and that it is a subscription service.
If you choose not to pay you can continue using W10, but no further updates will be available.

#59

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

ManofGodIf it is not labeled as a service, it is not sold as one. Folks were trying to factor that in to the Windows as a service being a subscription service but there is nothing logical about that.

I can call a turkey a duck, it doesn't mean it isn't a turkey.

#60

ManofGod

newtekie1I can call a turkey a duck, it doesn't mean it isn't a turkey.

Wat??????? Ummm, a Turkey is a Turkey even if you call it a duck. Logic is all this is about. Emotionalism has no place in this topic.

#61

ManofGod

Caring1The official Microsoft information release does not mention free for life, it clearly says a free upgrade for the first year and that it is a subscription service.
If you choose not to pay you can continue using W10, but no further updates will be available.

Where did you find this to be the case except for your own mind? There is nothing logical about that and also, it was already reported by Microsoft that the free upgrade is free for the life of the device. (OEM stuff.) The license we purchase on our builds will easily transfer to another build.

#62

erixx

Actually the Office 365 system/product/service is easy to use on changing pcs. I have 5-6 licences and I just deactivate a licence assigned to the old pc and install and activate on the new computer....

#63

xorbe

Subscription for the base OS is akin to renting your PC. Good luck with that. I'll switch Win + VBox Linux to Linux + VBox Win before that happens.

#64

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

ManofGodWat??????? Ummm, a Turkey is a Turkey even if you call it a duck. Logic is all this is about. Emotionalism has no place in this topic.

But your original argument was that it wasn't called a service so it isn't a service. The definition of software as a service is exactly what Office 365/Adobe CC is. Microsoft/Adobe are calling it something else, and you're just going with it and actually defending that it isn't something that it clearly is.

You are, essentially, arguing that the turkey isn't a turkey because someone else says the turkey is a duck.

#65

ManofGod

newtekie1But your original argument was that it wasn't called a service so it isn't a service. The definition of software as a service is exactly what Office 365/Adobe CC is. Microsoft/Adobe are calling it something else, and you're just going with it and actually defending that it isn't something that it clearly is.

You are, essentially, arguing that the turkey isn't a turkey because someone else says the turkey is a duck.

Nope, my original point is that folks are trying to claim that Windows as a Service must mean subscription since Office 365 is subscription based. However, Office 365 is not Office as a service so it does not equate.

#66

Freezer

Windows 10 is far from production state. It's so ridiculous where they have moved essential components.

btarunrIn addition, Microsoft is readying two variants of its operating system for smartphones and tablets - Windows 10 Mobile, and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise. Windows 10 Mobile will be targeted at consumer smartphones, and will have a rich feature-set for communication, social-networking, and productivity; while Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise will be designed for devices given by companies to their employees, with access to privileged information and services.

Also about time they pulled their head out of their *** ! A desktop version of Windows ought to be for a desktop! If a user wants touch screen added to a desktop pc then it ought to be a feature a user can add from within the Windows components! A tablet version of Windows out to be for a tablet! Windows 8/8.1 is a disgrace and also a memory hog compared to Windows 7, however, the UI is perhaps the best since Windows Classic with less inappropriate eye-candy to drag the system down.

Microsoft ought to provide users with a Classic Start Menu and the new Modern Start Menu. It's friggen ridiculous how much screen realestate the program-files and other icons take up... within the Modern Start Menu.

I certainly hope the production version of Windows 10 isn't laden with ads! Any type of Advertisement is Intrusive!

#67

ManofGod

FreezerWindows 10 is far from production state. It's so ridiculous where they have moved essential components.

Also about time they pulled their head out of their *** ! A desktop version of Windows ought to be for a desktop! If a user wants touch screen added to a desktop pc then it ought to be a feature a user can add from within the Windows components! A tablet version of Windows out to be for a tablet! Windows 8/8.1 is a disgrace and also a memory hog compared to Windows 7, however, the UI is perhaps the best since Windows Classic with less inappropriate eye-candy to drag the system down.

Microsoft ought to provide users with a Classic Start Menu and the new Modern Start Menu. It's friggen ridiculous how much screen realestate the program-files and other icons take up... within the Modern Start Menu.

I certainly hope the production version of Windows 10 isn't laden with ads! Any type of Advertisement is Intrusive!

Such emotionalism, it would almost seem like you have stock in the company or something. The mobile version is for phone and small tablets. Otherwise, Windows 10 Home and Pro are both hybrid Operating Systems that will be used on both desktops, laptops and tablets.

#68

Yorgos

GARIf windows goes to a subscription based windows, I dont see it being very popular, Windows 10 will be used or people will move to a different OS, like Linux......lol j/k Linux will never be mainstream :/

Linux needs brain to use it... she what happened to it when they wanted to make the public use it, the android abomination was created.

People must learn how to use their computers and Internet, like they take lessons on driving.

#69

Uplink10

YorgosLinux needs brain to use it... she what happened to it when they wanted to make the public use it, the android abomination was created.

I am still surprised when I see Android on tablets instead of real Linux OS.

YorgosPeople must learn how to use their computers and Internet, like they take lessons on driving.

I totally agree, teachers should teach this kind of thing at elementary school.

#70

Unregistered

So after extensive searching and testing I've found that the only way any other Media Center can watch encrypted premium Channels is via a WMC plug-in...
So...Microsoft...Why can't you just continue to offer WMC in the MS store?
make it available for 10?
The one and only advantage MS had for me is with gaming and the option of a real HTPC...

So if this continues I'll be playing all my games on a PS4 and doing all of my MC stuff on a Roku and my desktop stuff on Linux..
I like the one platform idea MS has...to bad they want to exclude what a lot of people want.

#71

MxPhenom 216

ASIC Engineer

rtwjunkieLook at the date on that article: Jan 20, 2015. This information from @btarunr is new, and from MS themselves. PC Gamer got this one wrong.

Not necessarily,there is no confirmation of subscription based Windows from Microsoft. Key word in the article is "COULD." I see them going the same route as Apple OSX.

#72

Frick

Fishfaced Nincompoop

MxPhenom 216I see them going the same route as Apple OSX.

I hope they offer that Windows Bing thing to end consumers. I'm not seeing it though, if they'll make a totally free Windows version it's probably gimped in some ways... But if they really are serious in only having one version of Windows they will have to either offer it freely or make it subscription based. And even if it's free people wouldn't upgrade, for various - real or imagined - reasons. So subscription it is.

Or they gimp a home version, and have a Pro version which costs money. That I would almost be ok with. Enterprise/Pro/Corporate/Server/etc editions totally should cost money.

In any case, the coming years shall be interesting indeed. And again, Windows 7 is supported until 2019, 8.1 until 2023 so we have some time to make up our minds.

#73

AsRock

TPU addict

FrickI hope they offer that Windows Bing thing to end consumers. I'm not seeing it though, if they'll make a totally free Windows version it's probably gimped in some ways... But if they really are serious in only having one version of Windows they will have to either offer it freely or make it subscription based. And even if it's free people wouldn't upgrade, for various - real or imagined - reasons. So subscription it is.

Or they gimp a home version, and have a Pro version which costs money. That I would almost be ok with. Enterprise/Pro/Corporate/Server/etc editions totally should cost money.

In any case, the coming years shall be interesting indeed. And again, Windows 7 is supported until 2019, 8.1 until 2023 so we have some time to make up our minds.

Really, in fact DX12 gaming wont be here all that soon so most of us be able to do without anyways and for AMD users there is always Mantle :p.

I like to believe that what MS is trying to say is that after a year you will have to buy the OS like you would of before.

But this kinda gossip i bet they like to hear to see if it would be a good or bad idea as lets face it they could clear this up in no time if they really wanted too.

Funny how people have trust issue's with Microsoft but use Google every day.

#74

64K

MS is pulling out all of the stops to get us all on Win 10. They will be installing Candy Crush with Win 10. :p

Waiting to hear what MS thinks is a fair price for the sub but if it's no more than $25 a year then I'm ok with it if the OS costs nothing to buy. I spend that buying every other version of MS anyway. They are saying that they will continue making additions to the OS so there's some value in that. I think the people that are going to feel screwed over are the ones that will have to buy the OS and pay the sub too. Most PCs come from the manufacturer with the OS already accounted for in the price of the PC so the majority would have no choice but to pay for it and the sub when buying a new computer if MS does charge for the OS after the first year.

#75

JTF195

Microsoft has publicly stated that

A) Windows 10 will be a free upgrade during the first year.
B) Windows 10 will be a one-time purchase after the first year.
C) Windows 10 will be kept up to date at no additional charge.
D) Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows, and will be updated indefinitely.

Windows-as-a-service means that they will no longer be releasing full versions as they have in the past.
There is no subscription

Source: blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/01/21/the-next-generation-of-windows-windows-10/
Source 2: blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/05/13/introducing-windows-10-editions/
Source 3: twitter.com/GabeAul/status/597991090378113025

The F.U.D. stops here.

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Microsoft Reveals Windows 10 Variants

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