Microsoft's Windows 10 is ramped up and ready to be showcased at the upcoming E3 2015, but there is one main feature that should be highlighted amidst the excitement: the smart home control.
With a lot of tech companies gunning for the ability to create a home that is centralized for the consumer, Microsoft is also joining the bandwagon. It will be making use of the anticipated Windows 10 to make this a possibility.
According to TIME, the feature will be made possible with AllJoyn, deemed to be a framework that promotes devices to be interoperable. The aim is to use AllJoyn to enable other smart products and appliances to be plugged, detected and connected to other AllJoyn devices that are in the network and accessed as such.
If this pushes through, Microsoft will be in the running at the same level as Apple's HomeKit or Samsung Smart Home. But an advantage that AllJoyn brings is that it will allow smart appliances and products to be connected regardless of make or method of connection.
In relation to the Windows 10, Microsoft has been regularly updating fans on the developments for its gaming arm. And the integration between the Windows 10 and Xbox One are no different. For E3 2015, apart from the games expected to be seen on the Xbox One, Microsoft has also announced that it will showcase something for PC players.
Specifically, it will have some relation to the Windows 10 gaming experience, though Xbox boss Phil Spencer did not provide any more details. Even before the release of Windows 10, people have been clamoring for the ability to upgrade to the newest Windows iteration.
Upgrades to the Windows 10 will be free for those who upgrade within the first year of its release, PC World reported. On top of this, the upgraded device will still have the option of being restored while keeping the OS as well. This allows the user to reinstall Windows 10 easily afterwards.
The upgrade and restoration appears to only be offered during the time that the Windows 10 will be offered for free. There is still no word on how much Microsoft is planning to charge users for the Windows 10. At the same time, there is also no word yet on the extent of the upgrade policy once the OS has been released.