A free upgrade to Windows 10?
Windows 10 is set to be the biggest release Microsoft is going to have since... forever. Getting rid of the rigidity that hampered Windows 8’s, Windows 10 will launch in just over a month with a host of features developed following feedback from the large developer community that has actively been a part of testing the OS. Unlike its predecessors, Windows 10 is being offered as a free upgrade to a large number of Windows users. And the change in regime has a lot to do with it. Under the Steve Ballmer administration, Windows and MS Office licensing was seen as the major revenue source, but Satya Nadella’s stratergy to generate revenue out of other assets has made it possible for Microsoft to offer these services at lower prices, and even for free in a lot of cases.
After Apple made the OSX free, Windows was the only platform being sold at a price that would pinch. But with Windows 10, users of Windows 8 and 7 will get a free upgrade when the OS is officially launched. And since Windows XP has been retired and with a minority of users still stuck on Vista, Microsoft has a scheme for them too. Being a part of the Windows Insider Programme means testing out the latest updates for Windows 10 Technical Preview. The preview which might have stability issues, but is very similar to the stable release for the most part. And if you update the preview right up to the end (before Windows 10’s final build is released), you get to hop on to the Windows 10 bandwagon for free. But you will continue to be a part of the Insider Programme though, which means getting buggy updates every now and then.
Windows 10 is an exciting new OS with features from all over the place. And plans to add support for Android and iOS apps makes it even more desirable. So getting the software for free, even if the updates are not completely polished, sounds like a steal. The iBall Cobalt is a phone that will stand out. Its backpanel has a nice velvety feel that’s pleasant to hold, while the copper colour around the sides adds a little shine to the otherwise dull body. The Home button, like Samsung’s, is physical instead of being tactile or on-screen. It also has a nice and bright display. An octa-core processor and 1 GB of RAM mean apps will launch faster but multi- tasking slows the device down. Also, the 2,000 mAh battery doesn’t sound reliable enough.
The phone comes