So the Windows 10 briefing is well underway, and Microsoft has already dropped a bombshell, although it’s one that many people will have been expecting.
If you have Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows Phone you will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. That’s right, it won’t cost you a single penny. And who doesn’t love free? Now the bad news… it's only free if you upgrade in the first year. What happens after that year is up isn't entirely clear.
Microsoft says it now views Windows as a service, so there's every possibility it will be looking to bill people for a yearly subscription as it does with Office 365. Microsoft hasn’t yet gone into the exact details yet. Or cost. Just shouted "Free!" and moved on.
"Today really is a monumental day for Windows," Terry Myerson, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, announces. "Windows as a Service is great for consumers, it's great for developers and it’s great for the security of our enterprise customers. Windows 10 is so much more than the latest version of Windows. Windows 10 changes the rules of game and redefines the relationship between us and our customers". You can say that again.
Making Windows Free in this way will definitely help launch Windows 10 with a bang, and avoid the embarrassingly low market share experienced by its predecessor. Removing the price -- for the first year -- will also remove the barrier to entry, allowing anyone to try the OS. Smart move Microsoft, smart move. Now we just need to know what’s going to happen price-wise after the first year…