Interesting Windows 10 news

Windows 10 is not only going to be free, but it appears to be going to the same model as Sonar - a perpetually and continually updated platform, rather than a series of versions:
 
http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/01/21/the-next-generation-of-windows-windows-10/
 
"This is more than a one-time upgrade: once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no cost. With Windows 10, the experience will evolve and get even better over time. We’ll deliver new features when they’re ready, not waiting for the next major release. We think of Windows as a Service – in fact, one could reasonably think of Windows in the next couple of years as one of the largest Internet services on the planet.
And just like any Internet service, the idea of asking “What version are you on?” will cease to make sense – which is great news for our Windows developers."

Holograms...  NOW we're talking.
 
I want Sonar in full holographic 3D, a complete virtual studio with virtual instruments and mixers and FX racks I can see and use as if they were real...

Um, it's free. Obviously, Microsoft hasn't become a charity, but Windows 10 is free.

BTW...I'm on the list...
 

John T
Dear god, man. Did you even trouble to read the article I linked to? It's free.

John...I've read it...I know what they say...but trust me...it WON'T be free...

They'll get their money...one way or another...that's what I'm saying...

Well, it looks free to me. I'm sure the can't really charge for an OS when OS X and Chrome OS is free. However, a few things:
 
-It's only free when upgrading or buying a device that has it installed (potentially cheaper device). And it's only going to be free to upgrade the first year. If you wait more than 12 months to upgrade, it will cost you. If you build a PC and need the OS, it will cost you to get it - if I understand it correctly
-Businesses have to pay for their multilicences which will give MS a huge revenue
-They sell Cloudstorage with or without Office to everyone
-They sell Office subscriptions on their own, annual income from subscribers
-The Windows App Store will sell software where MS get a persentage from sales
-The XBox environment is integrated in the OS where MS have made gadzillions for many years already and now it looks like it's only going to expand
-Media subscription services (XBox Music etc) will be a perpetual stream of income
-Skype credits and business subscriptions, Skype is way more integrated in the OS from Win10
-Hardware like Keyboards, mouse, etc
 
If you ask me, Microsoft has set up a pretty modern way of making money and the basis of it is Windows. Understandable that they want people to upgrade - so it's free - to start using the services - which isn't free. I think they will keep making pretty good money.
 
 
Just my 2cents

Of course the plan to make money but free is part of the paradigm now. They will still sell stuff.  It's actually a win for us and for them.

What is REALLY interesting is to see that they are really taking on Apple's way to make money. Apple have done it this way for over a decade now and Microsoft is diving right into the same thing with a more or less self contained eco system that can be expanded on with 3rd party stuff. I'm actually in favor of this. The less time I need to test things and trouble shoot issues and all that, the more time I can spend actually using my tools. If Windows 10 holds water, it will be a pretty cool thing for Microsoft and for anyone dependant on their software. 
 
I'm still a little worried about how well it will work after Win8 felt like a smack in the face (for me), but this time, It won't really cost anything to check it out ;)