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The 9 most highly-anticipated features in Windows 10

Cortana, the digital assistant

The 9 most highly-anticipated features in Windows 10

Windows Store for multi-device purchases

Windows Store for multi-device purchases

The worst part about the Windows Phone is its lack of apps. With a new Windows Store in Windows 10, users can buy apps once that work across their computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Microsoft is working to make it as simple as possible for app developers to make the good stuff available on Windows 10.

Windows Hello's facial recognition sign-in

Windows Hello

Windows 10 will let you log in to your computer just by getting a look at your face in the webcam.

It's called "Windows Hello."

Windows Continuum for Phones

Windows Continuum for Phones

One of the coolest new features in Windows 10 for smartphones is the ability to actually use a Windows Phone as a full-fledged computer, once you hook it up to a screen.

You can even use a mouse and keyboard, if you're so inclined.

Microsoft Edge, the fast new web browser

Microsoft Edge, the fast new web browser

Microsoft Edge is leaner, meaner, and faster than its predecessor, Internet Explorer.

Plus, it adds new features like the ability to scribble on and annotate web pages. You can even save pages for offline reading.

Touch

Touch

Coming from a Mac, I first thought a touchscreen on a desktop PC would be a novelty.

But I liked that Windows 10 gave me the traditional Windows experience, augmented by the ability to push buttons and rearrange my open windows with a touch — in conjunction with a touchscreen laptop, of course.

Xbox integration

Xbox integration

A new Xbox for Windows app lets you play games with friends, view your game clips, and compare scores from your computer.

Cooler still, Microsoft promises you'll be able to stream Xbox One games from the console to a Windows 10 computer.

The new Start Menu

The new Start Menu

The new Start Menu is everything I liked about the old one — quick access to files and settings — augmented by a very smartphone-like home screen, where I can pin apps and games for quick access.

It's the best of both worlds. And if you don't like it, you can always minimize it down to a start menu that's more Windows 7-esque.

It just works

It just works

It's hard to get across in a single picture, but Windows 10 is intuitive and comfortable to use, while still working in all kinds of new ideas.

Every app, from videos to music to photos, has been revamped and gussied up for the modern era. I may or may not ever leave my Mac behind, but it's never been more tempting.

Now check out someone else who gets fired up about Microsoft

Now check out someone else who gets fired up about Microsoft

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