Microsoft is expected to announce its newest operating system, Windows 10, on Wed. Jan. 21, 9:00 am Pacific Time.
According to sources, the new system is suppose to be the firm's attempt to bridge a modern user interface with its older but much-loved computing system. As the time winds down to the announcement, eager Microsoft fans may be wonder, what exactly can we expect from the event?
Reports indicate that there will be key features in Windows 10 to look out for. Here, we've rounded up the top buzz-worth rumors circulating the web on the soon-to-be launched Microsoft OS.
Improved Desktop Experience - One things for sure, Microsoft has got to improve its desktop experience, especially for the more traditional mouse and computer users. The most major change, and the most sought after, is the return of the Start Menu. Yahoo! Tech reports that Windows 10 is expected to revive the Menu, a feature that a number of older-OS users missed.
The Wall Street Journal claimed that "Taking a page from Apple's Mac OS X, Windows 10 will allow you to create multiple virtual desktops that you can toggle between - perhaps one would focus on your work while another concentrates all of those social media distractions. A taskbar will allow you to view thumbnails of the different spaces, so you can easily move between them."
Enhanced App Experience - Many thought the Windows Store didn't have much to boast. The movements and command functions felt off and required so much swiping from users before users could finally see the product offering.
Leaks have indicated that the Windows 10 layout will provide an app store layout that can be resized like other windows, reports GottaBeMobile. The camera app also appears to have integrated Lumia Camera for Microsoft Mobile Windows Phones along with redesigns of the Photo app, Xbox Music and Xbox Video and the Control Panel and Settings.
Mobile Userability - It's possible that we'll be hearing more about the smartphone version of the new OS, Windows 10 Mobile. Not that much has been revealed about the Mobile system but one can surely expect parallel UI features and functions.
Microsoft has declined to comment on what's going to go down on Wednesday but is focused on its goal for uniformity and ease of use across platforms.
"We're making steady progress toward our vision of giving people a single Windows experience across a full range of devices," quoted the NY Times of Frank X. Shaw, a company spokesman, said in a statement. "With Windows 10, we're moving to a more unified Windows platform for phones, tablets and PC, helping developers do more with their code."
There are also reports that Microsoft will release a new Web browser, currently being called "Spartan."
Stay tuned for more about the Windows 10 preview, download information and much more.