14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 will launch on July 29, but contrary to the previous versions of the operating system, this new one won’t see daylight during a single event hosted by top Microsoft executives.
Instead, the software giant is going for a different approach that would bring more customers and users closer to the company, giving them the chance to try out the operating system and see what’s new using information offered by professionals and company employees.
After July 29, Microsoft employees will take a day off to support the upgrade effort that the company calls “Upgrade Your World.”
A total of $10 million in cash will be invested in participating partners, including CARE, Code.org, Keep a Child Alive, The Global Poverty Project, The Malala Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Pencils of Promise, Save the Children and Special Olympics, with all nonprofits to be supported as they perform the upgrade.
Retailers offering upgrade information
On July 29, Microsoft will host Windows 10 events in 13 cities across the world, namely Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, New Delhi, Dubai, Nairobi, Berlin, Johannesburg, Madrid, London, Sao Paolo, and New York City, with the company saying that users will be offered hands-on opportunities, experiential demos, entertainment and the possibility of meeting the Windows team.
Retailers will also provide those interested with information on how to upgrade their computers, the company says, including Best Buy, Bic Camera, Croma, Currys/PC World, Elkjøp, Jarrir, Incredible Connection, Media Markt, Staples, Wal-Mart, and Yamada.
Official stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico will also offer pop-up demo experiences, prizes, and giveaways, while Answer Desk services will be there for a seamless upgrade experience.
New Window 10 ads will start airing next week, Microsoft reveals, so expect to see them pretty much everywhere both online and offline.
Basically, with all these efforts, Microsoft is trying to make everyone aware that Windows 10 is available, but also to make sure that those who want to upgrade to the new operating system can do it as fast as possible. Windows 10 will be free of charge for those on Windows 7 and 8.1, and CEO Satya Nadella said that upgrading all of these devices to the new OS is a priority.