Wio Video: Joe Belfiore Demoes Windows 10 Tech Preview for Desktop

Joe Belfiore, VP of Windows, demoes Windows 10 Tech Preview (for the desktop). Like the developer preview on WP, this is more for tech enthusiasts who essentially don’t mind being ‘beta testers’ and provide feedback for unfinished software. You’ll get plenty of updates whilst MS continue to improve W10.

I’m not gonna be updating my PC to touch within the year so I really like this whole mouse/keyboard focus again with the desktop.

No mention of Cortana anywhere. Maybe in future updates?

I’d like switching between desktops to have a similar ease that it does on my mac.

Windows

I like that this version of Windows is contextual. If you are on a keyboard/mouse input on a tablet but then disconnect those peripherals to use touch only, Windows asks if you want to switch to touch and everything becomes more table

Start with touch switches too. (via)

The familiar taskbar stays open between apps. Makes for easier switching. On a big desktop I guess that’s ok. I like having autohide to maximise the screen when I use either PC or mac (though my mac is annoying when it refuses to peek and show me the hidden icons).

I’m not sure if it will be an option but it would be cool if there was a setting where you could disable the prompt and Windows would switch automatically between modes when peripherals are attached. This would be a great option on big screen phablets (and wireless mirroring with miracast)

Tom Warren reckons there’s more UI changes on the way. I think it’s a great way to introduce new designs to users (on Win7/XP) but update them to tiles/metro/modern UI. It capitalises on that familiarity but doesn’t compromise too much with the new things.

Category: Nokia