Microsoft Sets July 29 as Date for Windows 10

Microsoft has said for a while now that it would have Windows 10 ready to go on PCs by sometime this summer.

In a blog post Monday, the company got more specific, saying the new operating system would be released on July 29 in 190 countries.

The date is less critical than the reception Microsoft is able to garner for the operating system. Windows 10 is Microsoft’s bet that a single operating system that spans phones, tablets and PCs will appeal to consumers, businesses and developers. Microsoft is also fusing the design of Windows 7 and Windows 8 in an effort to offer something that is both modern and yet familiar to those who have used Windows desktops for years.

Once solidly in Microsoft’s corner, the newest generation of developers is increasingly focused on mobile, where Microsoft remains a minor presence in a field dominated by Android and iOS.

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops, offering Windows 10 as a free upgrade to PC owners running Windows 7 or Windows 8 while also making it free on small-screen devices. The company’s top executives have promised to have Windows 10 running on a billion devices within two to three years.

While the operating system will arrive on PCs starting this summer, phones running Windows 10 aren’t expected until later in the year. Microsoft last month detailed the various packages it will offer for the new software, including editions for business PCs, home PCs, mobile devices and even Internet-of-things devices that don’t have a display.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

Contributions are a key part of the future of Vox

Readers rely on Vox for clear, nuanced coverage that not only illuminates the issues, but poses solutions, too. And we rely on help from our readers: Advertising and grants cover the majority of our costs, but we count on contributions to help us close the gaps in our budget. In fact, we’re looking to reach 95,000 individual contributions before the end of the year. Will you make the next contribution right now? Our average gift is just $20 — and it goes a long way in helping us keep our work free. Vox is here to help everyone understand what’s shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. Join that mission by making a contribution today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via