End of the road

[speckytecky]

So, according to the BBC Windows 10 will be the end of the road Microsoft to stop producing Windows versions - BBC News. Can't see that myself, a most confusingly written article!

[snagrat]

It's what they have been saying all along really. All future versions will just be offered as upgrades.

[Arthur]

Can't see that myself

I can.

 

Windows 10 is becoming more like Chrome OS where new features and updates are released regularly (every month or so, rather than annually or every three years).

 

Microsoft has been discussing the idea of Windows as a service, but the company hasn't really explained exactly how that will play out with future versions of Windows. That might be because there won't really be any future major versions of Windows in the foreseeable future. Microsoft has altered the way it engineers and delivers Windows, and the initial result is Windows 10. Instead of big releases, there will be regular improvements and updates. Part of this is achieved by splitting up operating system components like the Start Menu and built-in apps to be separate parts that can be updated independently to the entire Windows core operating system. It's a big undertaking, but it's something Microsoft has been actively working on for Windows 10 to ensure it spans across multiple device types.

 

Recent comments at Ignite about Windows 10 are reflective of the way Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner, with continuous value for our consumer and business customers. We aren't speaking to future branding at this time, but customers can be confident Windows 10 will remain up-to-date and power a variety of devices from PCs to phones to Surface Hub to HoloLens and Xbox. We look forward to a long future of Windows innovations.

 

With Windows 10, it's time to start thinking of Windows as something that won't see a big launch or major upgrade every few years anymore. Much like how Google's Chrome browser gets updated regularly with version numbers nobody really pays attention to, Microsoft's approach will likely result in a similar outcome. This is really the idea of Windows as a service, and the notion that Windows 10 could be the last major version of Windows. Microsoft could opt for Windows 11 or Windows 12 in future, but if people upgrade to Windows 10 and the regular updates do the trick then everyone will just settle for just "Windows" without even worrying about the version number.

 

Source: www.theverge.com/2015/5/7/8568473/windows-10-last-version-of-windows

[snagrat]

I went to an event on Thursday where they said that when updates are released you will have 120 days to install them. If you don't, you will be classed as unsupported and support will not be available.

 

Some exceptions apply, for critical systems where updates need to be tested. An example was power stations.

[beancole]

I can see this causing issues with 3rd party software in schools. However I do quite look forward to windows 10. Not entirely sure yet how its really going to effect us.

[JRowley]

Windows 10 will become like Mac OS X, basically. This is probably a good thing, software built for Windows 10 should in theory be compatible for the rest of time if they are smart about it.