Microsoft to launch Windows 10 on July 29

MICROSOFT has announced the release of the latest version of its Windows operating system, which it aims to see installed in a billion devices by 2018.

Windows 10 launch details revealed

MICROSOFT has announced that the latest version of its Windows operating system will be available July 29 for computer and tablet users.

The new Windows 10 software will come as a free upgrade to people who already use Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and will be available in 190 countries.

Windows 10 will come pre-installed on Microsoft-compatible computers and tablets from July 29 and will be available for purchase later in the year.

(FILES): This 27 December 2005 file photo shows the logo for Microsoft at their office in Herndon, Virginia. US computer software giant Microsoft announced Monday that it would buy back another 40 billion dollars of its shares. Microsoft, whose share price has shed nearly 30 percent this year, said in a statement that the buyback would last until September 2013 and that it had completed its previous 40-billion-dollar stock repurchase program. AFP Photo/Paul J. RICHARDS/FILES

The move marks a major launch for Microsoft, after the relative failure of Windows 8, which was rolled out in 2013.

Microsoft has high hopes for Windows 10, which it wants to see installed in a billion devices around the world by 2018. The idea is to win over app developers.

Windows 10 is expected to feature a common base with which developers will be able to build apps that work on smartphones, tablets, PCs and desktops, and even Xbox.