A Microsoft staff shows the interface of the new Windows 10 operating system on July 29. (Photo : www.scmp.com)
Microsoft has launched on Wednesday, July 29, its latest Windows operating system (OS) to cater to the growing Chinese users as it seeks to reconnect with consumers in the world's largest PC and mobile device market, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Harry Shum, the company's executive vice president, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua that Windows 10 will run across all device types, including personal computers (PC) and mobile phones to Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.
Shum said that the new operating system will receive regular updates in the future and it would be the last of its kind.
"I think the new Windows could look a lot different in China compared to those for other markets as we work to understand and meet the unique needs of Chinese users through several updates going forward," Shum added.
The report said that the company has teamed up with a number of Chinese Internet firms and hardware makers, such as Tencent, Qihoo 360 and Lenovo, to help promote the new operating system to Chinese consumers, although Microsoft had extended a limited time offer for free upgrades to the consumer version of Windows 10 from Windows 8 and 7.
Shum said that they have used a unique strategy to promote Windows 10 in China by soliciting the help of influential Chinese tech firms.
According to data compiled by StatCounter and NetMarketShare, more than 30 percent of PCs in China still run on Windows XP, but the company has stopped providing support for the more-than-a-decade-old OS.
The report added that the company faces a challenge in persuading Chinese consumers to adopt newer versions, and Microsoft thinks that with the help of domestic partners, the job will be made easier.
"These Chinese firms have forged very close relationship with users here. Tencent's QQ boasts 800 million users, Qihoo 360's anti-virus software has been installed on tens of millions of PCs. Windows 10 can leverage their closer ties with users to reach out more consumers," Shum said.
According to the report, more than 600,000 Chinese insiders, or around 12 percent of the world's total, have helped Microsoft to modify the new Windows and launch it into a final product.
Shum said that the Chinese participants of the program also advised Microsoft on how to readjust the OS and make it suitable for the unique needs of Chinese users.
