How’s Windows 10 doing? Early reviews, four days in
View(s):Following last week’s techKNOW story on the July 29 global debut of the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system (OS), the Business Times wanted to highlight the main pros and cons of this newest, and maybe last ever, version of the world’s most pervasive OS, which is now aiming to secure a heavier presence across multiple platforms, with a special emphasis on mobile phones.
One main issue that was brought up from the beginning itself, by the fact that the Windows 10 OS was free of charge, was the likelihood that millions of people trying to download would overwhelm Microsoft’s capacity. But, following initial hysteria, it was eventually revealed, in a blog post by Microsoft’s Terry Myerson, that the Windows 10 update would be available first to Windows Insider programme members. As for the rest, or those termed “reserved systems”, they would be notified in waves following July 29, basically meaning that those wanting an upgrade would have to reserve a copy by clicking the icon, “Get Windows 10″, appearing on eligible Windows 7 and 8.1 systems, and after queuing for a while their OS will get updated automatically.
Another interesting development was tech blog ZDNet showcasing Akamai’s Real Time Web Monitor. It revealed that, while the Internet was jammed up a little more than usual, under the weight of a 35 per cent rise in traffic during the period corresponding to the launch, it did not in fact “break the Internet” as predicted by numerous doomsayers, even with the likelihood that millions of downloads of the 3.5GB Windows 10 upgrade were initiated and run at the same time.
Interestingly, however, CNET, a longtime leading web portal for downloads and reviews, has highlighted a workaround for those who are more adventurous and tech savvy, namely downloading the upgrade directly via www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
Additionally, in terms of the hardware specifications required, influential tech magazine PC World tested a previous Windows 10 test version on several old PCs, from as far back as 2006. Most reportedly installed the new OS successfully but crashed when running programmes such as the new Edge web browser, Internet Explorer’s replacement, except for Lenovo X61 laptop from 2008. This device, which originally came with Windows Vista, featured a 2.4 GHz Core2Duo T8200 processor and 3 GB of DDR2 RAM, according to the PC World article. Just a reminder, Windows 10 is said to require 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, and a minimum 1,024 x 600 resolution screen.
Meanwhile, with regards to reviews of the Windows 10 features, Ars Technica somewhat ironically comments that it is the “best version yet, once the bugs get fixed”. Calling the new design, which brought back the iconic Start menu; “baroque”, the reviewer signals that Windows 10 breaks fixes that Windows 8.1 brought in. As an example he highlights the lack of proper search functionality, as well as indicating that power users will soon surpass the usability of the “All Apps” function, amongst other problems. But, a July 30 post on BGR recommends five key hacks to be used to optimise Windows 10 performance, taking care of a lot of these issues including managing the Start menu, and even notifications, and minimising restarts.
On the other hand, in its ongoing coverage of end-user comments of Windows 10, the BBC’s HaveYourSay segment has revealed mostly positive reviews, with some even giving it full marks, such as @DannyAllenUK tweeting: “@BBC_HaveYourSay so far 10… Windows 8 with all the annoying things stripped away, merged with Windows 7. Loving it right now”. It also further signalled that “@rigaritax, and @mr_light8 both gave the system an 8 out of 10, while top marks came from @AaranBhambra”.
At the same time, it must be noted that Windows 10 early adopters, especially hardcore fans, have already highlighted a few key problems with this update, possibly prompting a further 10.1 version within a few weeks. These bugs, as noted by PC World, include: a nonsensical “something happened” Windows 10 download screen, headphones not working, unable to install some apps, CTRL C not working, too many start menu items, etc.
There are also some issues that have come to light that are polarising reviewers in very vocal ways, these include a new “WiFi Sense” app, which automatically allows friends to use each other’s WiFi bandwidth, to aid in sharing, sparking privacy and other concerns, and oddly enough a big brouhaha kicking off because popular add-on game Solitaire is shifting to a US$ 10 per year, per user pay model, if one disables in-game advertising.
In an exclusive interview the BBC, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella, just about a year and a half in his job, reiterated that Windows 10 will be the last launch of its kind, shifting to gradual updates of the software for free over the coming months and years. He was also of the view that Windows 10, being multi-platform, would maintain its relevance across a number of different devices, from today’s phones, to even tech gaining prominence like the Hololens augmented reality headsets, etc.