Windows 10: Is the Steak as Good as the Sizzle?

The day after Microsoft announced Windows 10 more details emerged about the software giant’s new operating system, exciting some observers about its release in the coming months -- while others are sticking to a wait-and-see mode. Among the features garnering the most attention during Windows 10 Watch, Day 2: HoloLens, the holographic computer running on the new operating system that the company has evidently been working on in secret for years.

The potential applications for the head-mounted machine range from immersive gaming to virtual space exploration. HoloLens is essentially a full-fledged computer equipped with its own sensors and processors. It contains its own high-end CPU and GPU, and Microsoft has developed a special holographic processing unit to produce the augmented-reality effects. Users will see graphical overlays appear wherever they look, from video game characters to counterparts in Skype conversations.

Lots of Potential

Since it’s not yet available, how Windows 10 will actually work and whether its new features are difference-makers remains to be seen. When we reached out to independent technology analyst Jeff Kagan, he expressed tentative optimism about the new potential of the new OS.

"As always, we'll have to use this product to really have an opinion, but from what I see so far it looks very impressive," says Kagan. "I was afraid Microsoft was chasing its tail with Windows 8, but Windows 10 looks very promising. If it works as good as we hope, this could be big hit for Microsoft."

As reported, Windows 10 will include a version of Cortana, the digital  assistant that was previously available only for Windows Phone. In its PC version, Cortana can now be used to call up PowerPoint presentations, search for photos taken during specific time frames, dictate and send e-mails, and get weather forecasts.

"Giving the customer  the ability to choose the features they want is the right way to go," said Kagan. "Blending in Cortana also could be a big hit."

New DirectX

Another widely discussed update in Windows 10 is the addition of DirectX 12, the latest version of the Windows gaming API. DirectX is a software layer between the hardware that powers computers and the software that runs on them -- and it’s a key part of most games that run on Windows.

Kagan noted that if the reality of Windows 10 lives up to the company’s promises, it could end a streak of underwhelming operating system releases from Microsoft. Windows 8.1 was widely panned, especially by mobile  users, for its lack of support for third-party apps, among other shortcomings. Users are hoping for an OS that works as effectively on phones as it does on PCs.

"I think Apple has been hitting home runs for years (and) Microsoft has been swinging and missing for years," said Kagan. "This could be the first real grand slam home run for Microsoft in a long time. Let’s hope the steak is as good as the sizzle."