Windows 10 may be the final incarnation of the operating system in its current form, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be multiple versions of it. Microsoft today revealed that there will be seven different SKUs of Windows 10, the first of which is set to be released later this summer.
First, there’s the consumer focused Windows 10 Home Edition, which includes many of the operating system’s marquee features, including Microsoft’s new Edge browser, face recognition via Windows Hello and access to several built-in universal apps. On desktop, Windows 10 Pro for small to medium sized business and Windows 10 Enterprise for larger corporations will also be available.
On the mobile side of things, the company has announced Windows 10 Mobile, which features touch optimized versions of Office apps and Continuum support, which allows one to use their phone as an extension of their desktop. There’s also an enterprise solution for Windows 10 Mobile that allows big businesses to license the software.
On a side note, in renaming Windows Phone to Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft has come full circle with its mobile branding. That said, it’s a name that makes a lot of sense when one considers that this version of Windows 10 Mobile will be available on tablet devices smaller than 8-inches. It also puts an end to the short and volatile life of Windows Phone.
But that’s not all, there’s and even a Windows 10 for Internet of Things devices, and a version for the education sector. Best of all, they’re all launching at different points throughout the year. Windows 10 for PCs is set to launch this summer, and Windows 10 Mobile is expected sometime in the fall. Once released, Windows 10 will be free to Windows 7 and 8 users for the first year of its availability.
