MANILA – After nine months of public beta-testing, Microsoft is rolling out the final version of Windows 10 in 190 countries today with much fanfare and heart.
Billed as the “best Windows ever,” it will be available as a free upgrade for PCs and tablets running on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
Users who will be getting the upgrade today be reunited with a revamped Start Menu with Live Tiles, a built-in Xbox app with Xbox One game streaming, a new digital assistant called Cortana, a new internet browser dubbed Microsoft Edge, and a long list of other new or improved functions, tools and apps.
Windows users need only to register for the upgrade from a small Windows icon at the right end of the taskbar, and Microsoft will alert you once it’s ready to be installed.
Having trouble? Mae Moreno (pictured), Windows Lead for Micrsoft Philippines, shares that they have already partnered with 43 local computer retail shops from Asianic, Silicon Valley, Memoxpress, PCWorx, Electroworld, Berlein, Complink, Octagon, Villman and PC Express for those who need assistance in upgrading.
The highly anticipated launch will be celebrated in fan events across 13 countries starting this Wednesday, including Microsoft Philippines which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The Windows 10 launch also kicks off a year-long global CSR campaign called #UpgradeYourWorld, where Microsoft will be supporting 10 standout non-profits tackling pressing issues such as poverty, HIV, education, humanitarian relief and the environment.
Each will receive a $500,000 investment, technology support and promotion across the tech giant’s owned, earned and paid media. A month-long spotlight will also be given detailing their success stories.
With nine of these organizations already been picked, Microsoft is letting the public decide which lucky non-profit is worthy to have the last slot. People globally can cast their vote by tagging the name of their favorite nonprofit with the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorld and #vote on the Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The winner of the 10th slot si scheduled to be announced on September 1.
Microsoft Philippines will take part in the campaign by giving a dayoff to its employees to spend a day houses for a Gawad Kalinga village. Classrooms in this village will also get an upgrade with Windows-powered devices and reliable internet connection. For every 10 votes cast for #UpgradeYourWorld, Moreno said that the company will match it wil 10 hours of internet access.
Supporting the launch are four brand ambassadors who told the press their expereince using Windows and its impact on their advocacies. This include 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida, OFW rights advocate Myrna Padilla, Microsoft YouthSpark winner Dominic Co and the ad industry’s very own Dan Matutina. Matutina is the graphic designer and illustrator behind local design studio plus63. and The Design Co. Mission – a think-tank of young designers pitching solutions for the island nation’s problems.
