14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Redstone is believed to be the codename for the very first Windows 10 update coming in 2016, approximately one year after the debut of the core OS, and although Microsoft remains tight-lipped on this, more information has started reaching the web.
Redstone will be shipped to Windows 10 users in two waves, both of which will take place next year, and won’t be offered as a stand-alone release, but just as an update for the OS.
And as was the case of Windows 10, Redstone will be aimed at absolutely all devices in Microsoft’s portfolio, including PCs, tablets, smartphones, Xbox, and any other devices that might see daylight until mid-2016.
This means that Windows Redstone will also come with a number of improvements for smartphones running Windows 10 for phones, the imminent upgrade for Windows Phone. Interestingly, Microsoft could also offer a direct update path for Windows Phone users who want to install Redstone, but this is still discussed internally.
No major updates
Although Redstone is the first Windows 10 update, it won’t bring anything major to the table, and sources say that Microsoft could be using this release to provide users with a number of features that aren’t ready for the operating system scheduled to launch this year.
As we’ve told you, Microsoft is very close to finalizing work on Windows 10 and start focusing on bug fixing exclusively, so some of the features that might be developed in the meantime are expected to be part of Redstone.
Windows Redstone will be offered completely free of charge, no matter the device, and will also be developed with help from users enrolled in the Windows Insider program. Yes, this program will live on after Windows 10, and Redstone is expected to be the first product that’ll continue it.