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Windows 10 sees major overhaul and an Xbox One release

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Today’s the day, folks! As Microsoft VP Terry Myerson revealed on the official Windows blog today, the Windows 10-inspired “New Xbox One Experience” isn’t the only substantial update the operating system is going to see today. That’s because, as Myerson explains, the self-proclaimed “first major update” to Windows 10 is bound to hit PC and tablets today as well.

He notes that with this version release, Microsoft can now safely recommend widespread installations of Windows 10 by entire businesses and organizations alike.

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Here’s a complete list of amendments to Microsoft’s critically-acclaimed desktop OS, as reported on its blog:

  • Performance in everyday tasks, such as boot time now nearly 30% faster than Windows 7 on the same device.

  • With Cortana, you can use your device’s pen to just scribble a note in the Cortana Notebook and Cortana will recognize the phone number, email address, and even physical address to help you set reminders. Cortana can also now keep track of your event and movie bookings too, sending you helpful reminders to know where to go and get there on time, plus the option to book and track an Uber. We’re excited to make Cortana available in Japan, Australia, and Canada and India (in English) with features and experiences customized for each market.

  • Microsoft Edge offers improved performance and security, along with tab preview, which allows you to hover over your open tabs and get a preview of what’s on those websites without leaving the page you’re on. Microsoft Edge now syncs your Favorites and Reading list items across devices so you can easily get back to the content you’re interested in most. And, Cortana will now notify you of the best coupons from your favorite retailers such as Staples, Macys and Best Buy when shopping in Microsoft Edge.

  • And much more with improvements to Mail, Calendar, Photos, Groove, Xbox, Store, OneNote, Solitaire, and more!

If you already have Windows 10 installed, you can expect the new update to arrive according to your Windows Update configuration. If you’re still using Windows 7 or 8.1, on the other hand, you can get the Windows 10 as well as the most recent update for free here. Microsoft is encouraging businesses in particular to take advantage of these changes due to some IT-friendly streamlining that was also conducted. This includes staggered deployment functionality as well as the option to publish applications on a private Windows Store server.

This update arrives just in time for Microsoft’s other big development, a massively overhauled Xbox One dashboard, complete with a Windows 10-inspired UI and limited backward compatibility for Xbox 360 titles. No doubt it’s a busy day for Microsoft at its campus in Redmond, Washington.

Gabe Carey
Gabe Carey
Former Contributor
A freelancer for Digital Trends, Gabe Carey has been covering the intersection of video games and technology since he was 16…
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