14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 Technical Preview is the very first build of the next Microsoft operating system, and although it’s entirely aimed at enterprise users, quite a lot of consumers have actually deployed it in order to see what’s new in Redmond’s latest products.
As we have heard in the last few weeks, Microsoft is also readying a consumer version of Windows 10 Preview, and as it turns out, references to this particular build have already been found in the existing testing flavors that are up for grabs right now.
Not much can be revealed from these references, but it’s just another confirmation that Microsoft is indeed preparing a fresh build of Windows 10 Preview that wouldn't be specifically aimed at enterprises and expected to come with more polished features and improved options that would benefit from enhanced stability and reliability.
WPCentral reports that the consumer preview version doesn’t bring any new features, and it’s in fact that same build number as the Technical Preview, and the only modification that it does is to replace the standard watermark with a text reading “Windows Technical Preview for Consumer.”
Consumer preview expected in early 2015
This hasn’t been confirmed by Microsoft, but we’re hearing that a consumer preview for Windows 10 could be released in early 2015, only a few months before the operating system reaches RTM.
The full version of Windows 10 is likely to be unveiled in spring 2015, most likely in April, so consumers might not have much time to try out the new OS before its public debut.
Windows 10 Consumer Preview could, however, come with new additions in terms of features, including a preview build of personal assistant Cortana and a notification center, both of which have been inspired by their siblings on Windows Phone 8.1.
Launch of full version in April 2015
Previous reports on the possible launch date of Windows 10 indicated that Microsoft was preparing to release the stable version of the operating system in April 2015, and judging by Redmond’s very own suggestions, such timing would actually make sense.
Microsoft pointed out that Windows 10 should be here in spring 2015, while also revealing that Windows 10 Preview would expire on April 15, 2015.
Since preview users won’t be able to upgrade directly to the full product, bringing the full version to the market before this date is quite vital for many enterprises that helped the company improve this software product by providing feedback and suggestions.