Windows 10 to get 'holographic' headset and Cortana

Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10 will bring its voice-
controlled assistant Cortana to PCs.
It also unveiled a headset that it said would one day project the
operating system over views of the real world.
In addition, the firm announced that the OS upgrade would be
offered free of charge for devices running Windows 8, Windows 7
and Windows Phone.
The offer, which is limited to the Windows 10's first year of
release, may aid its adoption.
It marks a change in strategy from Microsoft's previous policy of
charging for major updates, and could help avoid a repeat of the
relatively slow uptake of Windows 8.
One analyst suggested the firm had needed to renew interest in its
ecosystem.
"Overall, we know that about only about 10% of computers are
running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is
similar or lower," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester
consultancy.
"Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass
market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for
enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps
for iPad and Android tablets.
"Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers
to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.
"My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of
PC and tablet applications. The challenge is getting people
interested in its phones."
Holographic helmet
Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said the HoloLens
headset represented a "magical moment" of "category creation"
that developers lived for.
Microsoft expects its headset to be used in the home and
workplace, even if it is too bulky for the street
The wearable tech's augmented reality see-through lenses
represent a major leap forward over Google Glass and other
existing eyewear - assuming the machine lives up to its on-stage
demo, in which computer-generated elements appeared in the
world surrounding the wearer.
The company said that the final version of the machine would not
need to be linked to other devices to work, and should be released
within Windows 10's "timeframe".
It revealed Nasa was already working with the kit, and said the US
space agency hoped to start controlling its Mars rovers with a
prototype version as soon as July.
The HoloLens system features a see-through lens, which the
firm said would provide a more "personal" experience than other
devices
Other demos involving the machine included the wearer:
playing Minecraft with the video game's graphics appearing
over living room furniture
seeing a Skype video appear as if it was taking place on a
building wall
creating a model of a drone, which she saw in front of her face
while shaping it by moving her hands and giving voice
commands
"The true innovation HoloLens delivers will be determined by
developer commitment in the months and years to come,"
commented Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.
"Windows 10 is a defining moment for Satya Nadella early in his
tenure as CEO.
"The collaboration required to deliver HoloLens to market is an
encouraging sign that he's breaking down the silos that slowed
innovation and stalled execution in recent years."
Microsoft showed off an augmented reality version of Minecraft
as part of its HoloLens demo
Cortana on PCs
Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all
sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile
phones and the firm's Xbox games console.
One of the key features that consumers will be able to use on PCs
from "day one" is Cortana - the voice-controlled tool previously
limited to Windows Phone handsets.
Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore demonstrated how the software
could be told to:
bring up Powerpoint presentation documents
locate photos taken during a specific month
dictate and send emails
tell the user whether or not the weather forecast indicates they
should wear a coat later
show where their car is parked