As you may be already aware, a free Windows 10 upgrade will be ending on 29 July this month. If you haven't upgraded it, here's one good reason to do so, because since Microsoft Corp. decided that the free upgrade isn't enough, they have announced that on 2 August, a Windows 10 Anniversary Update will be coming to all Windows 10 devices for free. So what can the free upgrade offer?
To sum it up, the free upgrade will feature Windows Ink, an improved Cortana, a more accessible and power-efficient Microsoft Edge browser, advanced security features for both consumers and enterprises (Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection and Windows Information Protection), and new gaming experiences. Again, all of these features are for free.
“When we introduced Windows 10, our vision was not only to deliver the best and most secure version of the OS ever, it was also to create an experience that would keep getting better, said Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group. “The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is a great example of this – and we look forward to building on it even further in the future.”
Below is a list of details from the free Windows 10 Anniversary update:
Security
- With Windows Hello, customers can sign in with enterprise-grade security, password-free, to apps, and access supporting websites with biometric authentication using Microsoft Edge, the first and only browser to natively support biometrics.
- Windows Defender anti-malware improves with the option to automatically schedule periodic quick scans of your PC; and provide notifications and summaries when scans are complete and if scans find any threats.
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, designed to detect, investigate and respond to malicious attacks and informed by the world’s largest array of sensors and expert advanced threat protection, including a team of expert security researchers at Microsoft.
- Windows Information Protection, formerly referred to as enterprise data protection, helps protect businesses from accidental data leaks by separating personal and organizational data where ever it goes.
Windows Ink
- Enables people to write on a device as they would on paper. Integration with Office and other applications such as Microsoft Edge and Maps bring the power of inking everywhere.
Improvements to Cortana
- The world’s most productive personal digital assistant gets even better with access above the lock screen, more ways to remember with the ability for Cortana to save and recall information, and synchronization across devices.
Microsoft Edge
- Using fewer CPU cycles, consuming less memory, and minimizing the impact of background activity and peripheral content like Flash advertisements.
- Microsoft Edge Extensions, such as Pinterest’s “Pin it Button" and Amazon Assistant, will also be available in the Windows Store.
- The new accessibility architecture for Microsoft Edge also now supports modern web standards, including HTML5, CSS3, and ARIA. With this update, page structure and content are exposed more clearly with assistive technology. Visual presentation of web pages in high contrast mode provides additional visual context, while preserving text contrast.
- Form entry when using keyboard navigation and screen readers improve the browsing experience for people of all abilities.
Gaming experience
- With Xbox Play Anywhere, gamers can buy a game once and play on a Windows 10 PC or Xbox One with shared progress, shared game saves and share achievements. Every new title published from Microsoft Studios will support Xbox Play Anywhere and will be easily accessible in the Windows Store on both Windows 10 and Xbox One.
- Cortana is also now available on Xbox One to help gamers find great new games, see what friends are up to, start a party, accomplish common tasks, and turn on Xbox One by saying “Hey Cortana, Xbox On8”.
- Top fan-requested features including Language Region Independence so gamers can choose any supported language on Xbox One, regardless of their location; and support for background music, will come with the Anniversary Update.
- The new Xbox One S, available this summer starting at $299 (around RM1191), will include the Anniversary Update. With a limited 2TB Xbox One S launch edition available in August for $399 (around RM1590), it’s the only console with support for HDR gaming and 4K Ultra HD video and Blu-ray.
Education
- Innovations for the modern classroom join great devices starting at $179 (around RM713)
- An all new “Set up School PCs” app will enable teachers to set up devices in 3 easy steps with a ‘Shared Cart of Devices.’ For schools with dedicated IT support, the updated Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer tool enable the setup of shared devices, in bulk, in a matter of minutes.
- For high-stakes tests that should not have copy-and-paste privileges, access to files or other distractions, the Take a Test app creates a browser-based, locked-down environment for more secure online assessments.
To celebrate the availability of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Microsoft is also making it easy for everyone to enjoy the great new features with special offers. Students can save $300 (around RM1195) when they purchase an Xbox One and Surface or get a free TV when they purchase a Dell PC over $699 (around RM2785). Plus, consumers can get $150 (around RM597) off select HP devices or $100 (around RM398) off select ASUS and Samsung devices.
To know more about the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, visit their official news site to check it out.
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