Microsoft celebrates a new beginning at Windows 10 Johannesburg launch

Microsoft has opened a new chapter in its operating systems logbook when it launched Windows 10 at a carnival-like event in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Mary Fitzgerald Square, historically a site for mass gatherings, was commandeered by Microsoft for one of 13 launches across the planet including the flagship event in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by none other than Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella.

Along with inviting hundreds of local school children to experience Windows 10 for the first time, the company also opened the gates to traditional Windows fans, prospective users, and those curious enough to discover just what Windows 10 is all about.

Anthony Doherty, Microsoft South Africa’s head of Windows business called Windows 10 “a whole new Windows.” And he’s largely correct.

Our first experiences with the operating system has been positive, even though Cortana — Microsoft’s personal digital assistant — is absent in her South African-centric form. Doherty has noted that the country will be getting Cortana support soon, but could not provide us with a definite date.

Other new features include the return of the Start Menu, a set of new security features including Windows Hello and the intelligent Tablet Mode feature which senses the user’s preferred input method (touch or keyboard/mouse) and adjusts accordingly.

Although Microsoft was celebrating the launch of its new operating system, manufacturers Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Pinnacle Africa’s Proline were also displaying their brand new devices running Windows 10 out-the-box.

For those not too interested in hardware or software, a performance by South African rock band Crashcarburn entertained crowds, while others kept warm wearing their Microsoft ponchos and freshly-brewed coffee available on site.

Windows 10 is now available in over 190 countries.