Windows 10 gets a release date

Microsoft has said that Windows 10 will be released on July 29th.

The new PC operating system will be offered a free upgrade for owners of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

Launch features include the Cortana (of Halo fame) digital assistant, the company’s Internet Explorer replacement Microsoft Edge and the Xbox app. The later will allow Xbox One owners to stream their console through their Windows device and interact with their console counterparts in an assortment of ways.

Candy Crush Saga will also be pre-installed. Windows 10 also re-introduces the much missed Start menu and introduces DirectX 12.

We designed Windows 10 to create a new generation of Windows for the 1.5bn people using Windows today in 190 countries around the world,” Microsoft said. With Windows 10, we start delivering on our vision of more personal computing, defined by trust in how we protect and respect your personal information, mobility of the experience across your devices, and natural interactions with your Windows devices, including speech, touch, ink, and holograms.

We designed Windows 10 to run our broadest device family ever, including Windows PCs, Windows tablets, Windows phones, Windows for the Internet of Things, Microsoft Surface Hub, Xbox One and Microsoft HoloLens—all working together to empower you to do great things.”

Windows 8.1 owners should already have been prompted to reserve their upgrade directly through the OS. Once available, owners will be able to either upgrade instantly or schedule the process for a later date.