Source: Windows Central
What you need to know
- Windows 10 now has one billion monthly active Windows 10 users globally.
- There are 80,000 different configurations of devices.
- Xbox, HoloLens, and IoT devices are included in the one billion device milestone.
Microsoft has today announced that Windows 10 is now in use on over one billion devices across the globe, finally hitting a milestone that it has been striving to achieve ever since Windows 10 first launched back in 2015. Initially, the company wanted to reach a billion devices by 2017, but the death of Windows Phone and the fact that many Windows 7 users didn't take the free upgrade to Windows 10 meant it was unable to reach that goal.
Windows 10 is the number one desktop platform in the world, and has been for some time. It's in use on more devices than Windows 7, which is estimated to have around 300 million users still using it, even after support has ended. Users across 200 different countries are using Windows 10 today on PCs, IoT, HoloLens, Xbox, and Server.
Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
Microsoft highlights how Windows 10 is changing the face of computing with new and innovative devices such as its own Surface product line. Starting later this year, Windows 10X will launch on a new wave of dual-screen PCs too, all of which will be included under the one billion Windows 10 users' statistic. Surface Hub is also included in this number.
There are over 80,000 different models and configurations of laptops and 2-in-1's that run Windows 10, from over 1,000 different PC manufacturers ranging from Dell to Chuwi. Windows 10 is the only desktop platform that strives on various form factors, and Microsoft is committed to continuing that trend going forward.
Even with a billion devices, Microsoft has had trouble getting developers to build apps using its modern app platform exclusive to Windows 10. Now that Windows 7 is out of support, and Windows 10 has hit a billion, perhaps that will change over the next decade. Microsoft has said before that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, and so far, it has kept to that claim. The following ten years are going to be very interesting.
What are your thoughts on Windows 10's one billion achievement? Let us know in the comments.
Bing has a new, curvier logo
Microsoft has been on a tear lately in redesigning its icons and logos, and it looks like Bing hasn't been forgotten. The search engine has a new, curvier logo that appears to be slowly rolling out for some.
How are you keeping in touch with friends and family? (poll)
We're all stuck inside for the foreseeable future, which means family and friend time is on the backburner for quite a while. Thankfully, there are tons of apps out there that can keep your game and movie nights going, if only virtually. What are you using to keep in ouch with friends and family?
Review: The IOGear HVER PRO X brings optical mechanical switches for gaming
When it comes to keyboards designed for gaming, some people swear by optical mechanical switches for the best performance possible. IOGear's HVER PRO X has them on offer, and the price isn't half bad.
These are the best PC sticks for when you're on the move
Instant computer, just add a screen! That’s the general idea of the ultra-portable PC Compute Sticks, but it can be hard to know which one you want. Relax, we’ve got you covered.
