Microsoft Announces Windows 10 With Familiar Start Menu

Microsoft has announced the next version of its operating system, Windows 10. No, you didn’t miss Windows 9, as the company is skipping right over it.

The new operating system is in technical preview right now, and if you are an enthusiast and comfortable with in-development software, you can opt-in. Among the features touted are a return to a more familiar start menu, searching on the task bar, windows for all apps (even those that currently run at full-screen), and task and desktop views that are reminiscent of features found in Mac OS X.

No specific information has been offered about the impact of the new operating system on gaming. However, since most PC gamers run Windows, we thought you’d probably want to know to keep an eye out for more details. Windows 10 is due for consumer release in early 2015.

[Source: Microsoft]

Our Take
I’m still not fully used to Windows 8, but since I only use my PC for gaming, I’ve not run into major problems. Still, I do love my start menu and I’m glad it’s coming back. The customization options offered seem like a good balance of live tiles with usability.