Windows 10 anniversary update: Download starts Aug. 2
Over 350 million devices now run on Windows 10, says Microsoft
Microsoft promises users with the “most secure Windows ever” with Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which will be available for download starting Tuesday, boasts of significant security protection with its “Windows Hello” and “Windows Defender.”
In a blog post, Windows said the “Windows Hello” feature is the first and only browser to natively support biometrics with supporting sites. "The Anniversary Update also enables companion devices to use Windows Hello to unlock your PC, giving you more choices for quick, secured sign-ins," Windows added.
“Improvements to Windows Defender, our free anti-malware service, includes the option to automatically schedule periodic quick scans of your PC; as well as provide new notifications and summaries when scans are complete and threats are found.”
For enterprise customers, Windows 10 offers “Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection” and “Windows Information Protection.”
More creative, personalised, efficient Windows
Meanwhile, the “Windows Ink” feature lets graphic designers to use a Windows 10 device to create drawings or sketches, students to write mathematical equations, or users to edit documents with their handwriting.
In Windows 10, Microsoft also introduces Cortana, a personal digital assistant feature that was originally introduced in Windows Phone. “Cortana is now available above your lock screen so you can do things like ask questions, play music from your PC or set a reminder without unlocking your device,” Windows said.
Browsing with “Microsoft Edge” also promises increased power efficiency and accessibility. “Microsoft Edge lasts three hours longer than Google Chrome—long enough to finish the final movie in your favorite trilogy,” Windows added.
On the gaming side, gamers can buy a game once and play it both on their Windows 10 PC and Xbox One with shared progress, saves and achievements through “Xbox Anywhere” program.
Windows 10 free update expired July 29. Users will now have to shell out US$119 (AU$156) charge for Windows 10 Home and US$199 (AU$261) for Windows 10 Pro. Meanwhile, Windows 10 will cost US$7 (AU$8) per user per month or US$84 (AU$110) per year for Enterprise Versions.