Terry Myerson recently revealed that Microsoft plans on releasing Windows 10 this summer. While the Windows chief did not specify the exact release date, he confirmed that the new operating system would launch in the next few months. Windows 10 will be available this summer in 190 countries and 111 languages.
As you know, Microsoft is making Windows 10 a free upgrade for existing Windows 7 and Windows 8 users for a year. This offer also applies to individuals who have pirated versions of Microsoft’s previous operating systems. Myerson stated, “We are upgrading all qualified machines, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10. Anyone with a qualified device can upgrade to Windows 10, including those with pirated copies of Windows. We believe customers over time will realize the value of properly licensing Windows and we will make it easy for them to move to legitimate copies.”
Windows software piracy is a severe issue and Microsoft’s move is an unexpected and revolutionary strategy. A few years ago, former Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer revealed that only one customer in ten is paying for Microsoft software in China. The company continually highlights the financial impact of software piracy in countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China. Offering Windows 10 to everyone and giving them the experience of a constantly updating ecosystem will convert many individuals. This is the right approach because it increases goodwill and appreciation for Microsoft. Individuals who have positive experiences with a brand are more likely to buy their in the future. This is an unprecedented gesture and will definitely yield fruitful results. This is the first example of a company that truly understands the deep causes of piracy and is addressing them through a long-term plan rather than shortsighted punitive measures.
Source: The Verge
Asher Madan is a games journalist, former News Writer (Gaming) at Windows Central. They contributed 182 articles to ICXM in 2015, focused on Windows and PC, and Xbox news: joined Future plc’s Windows Central in 2017 covering Xbox news, hardware, and reviews.