With Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Windows 10 already in the hands of testers and with the April launch of the free major upgrade to Windows 8/8.1 looming, many are wondering when the next big test build of Windows 10 will land. There's a good chance the answer is January 21, 2015 as Microsoft has just announced a major press event for that day in its hometown.
Among the featured presenters will be:
n Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft)
n Terry Myerson (EVP of Microsoft's Operating Systems Group (OSG))
n Joey Belfiore (CVP, OSG)
n Phil Spencer (Head of Microsoft's Xbox division and Microsoft Studios)
As Neowin points out, Spencer's involvement likely points to gaming or Xbox One tie-ins to Windows 10 during the event. Likewise, Joe Belfiore's presence likely indicates a discussion about the smartphone space, where Microsoft has primarily focused his talents.
Microsoft's currently testing the new version of the NT kernel (the kernel number jumps from NT 6.4 to NT 10) via its internal Build 9888, which leaked about a week ago. The build also incorporates some other planned changes, including a revised Settings app (which includes a new search bar), unified menu features, and new windows animations.
Testers should arguably wait for January 21 or whenever Microsoft chooses to officially release the build. While Build 9888 looks tempting, the leaked early version may break your Windows Update chain if you take the risk of installing it. Also it lacks many of the features currently included in Build 9879. These features are expected to be merged back in, in time for the next mass consumer build release.
?dailytech.com