Windows 10 on Your Phone

 

Windows 10 on smartphones, desktops, and everything in between will pivot users into treating Windows as just another Web service, with frequent updates and subscription-based payments.Here are the most important things to know about Microsoft's announcements relating to Windows 10 on smartphones, and what we have to look forward to over the next year or so.

Interface elements will be consistent between device classes, such as the Action Centre which will work the same way and will have synced notifications. The desktop even inherits quick settings toggles, to keep things familiar.

There will be lots of new apps, including Microsoft Office

Microsoft also talked about other apps, including a new Photos app that will keep photos synced across devices and automatically make corrections such as red-eye reduction. The built-in Maps, People, Messaging, Music and Videos apps will also get cloud-centric overhauls, so for example, people who store all their music in the cloud will be able to create and sync playlists across devices.

There will be new hardware
 It was highly unlikely that Microsoft would let several months pass without new hardware introductions, but just to be clear, there will be at least one new flagship-level smartphone at the time of the formal Windows 10 launch. Staffers used an ageing Nokia Lumia 1520 on stage, so the experiences Microsoft would most like to show off are probably best suited for bigger phone screens. Expect a class-leading new phablet towards the end of this year.

Cortana gains new powers

Microsoft's answer to Siri will have an expanded role across smartphones and desktops. In Microsoft's demonstrations, Cortana appeared to have a more developed sense of humour and a personality. More interestingly, Cortana will learn about a user's personal preferences and schedules, so it can save you time when checking flight details, restaurant menus, and more.

Skype and OneDrive will be everywhere

Microsoft will be using its in-house Skype and OneDrive properties to power a lot of the Windows 10 ecosystem. Messaging will be tied in to Skype on the desktop and on mobile, and Windows 10 will automatically try to route SMS and other messages through its own network.