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Windows 10 releases July 29th, Windows 7 and 8.1 users can reserve an upgrade now

Windows 10 desktop

If you’re a Windows 7 or 8.1 user, you may have noticed a new icon turn up in your system tray this morning in the shape of the Windows logo. Click on it, and you’ll be offered the chance to ‘reserve’ a free upgrade to Windows 10. Accept, and when release day comes you’ll be automatically updated to Microsoft’s brave new operating system. 

The release day is July 29th, and Windows 10 will suddenly be available for PCs and tablets.

If you’re not a Windows 7 or 8.1 user, you can still of course buy Windows 10. The free upgrade will be available for one year, and if you take Microsoft up on the deal it will “continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device—at no cost.”

For gamers, Windows 10 offers the integrated Xbox App, which brings the features of Xbox Live to PCs.

“Xbox on Windows 10 brings the expansive Xbox Live gaming network to both Windows 10 PCs and tablets. Communicate with your friends on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One – while playing any PC game,” says Microsoft.

“You can capture, edit and share your greatest gaming moments with Game DVR, and play new games with friends across devices. You can play games on your PC, streamed directly from your Xbox One console to your Windows 10 tablets or PCs, within your home. Games developed for DirectX 12 in Windows 10 will see improvements in speed, efficiency and graphics capability.”

Thanks, Ars Technica and Videogamer.