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First Click: it's time for Windows 10

March 18, 2015

Thomas Ricker a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for almost 20 years.

It’s been a long time since I’ve anticipated a new release of Windows the way I’m looking forward to Windows 10. Honestly, the last time might have been Windows 95. I haven’t used Windows at home since the year 2000 when I made the switch to Apple. Sure, I kept up with Windows at work — I had to, I had no choice as an IT professional. But the difference between what I had to use and what I wanted to use was vast, a chasm that only deepened with time: first with the iPod, then the iPhone, and then the MacBook Air and iPad, all conspiring to push me deeper into the Apple ecosystem.

Now I need OS X. Or do I? As Apple moves more and more services to the cloud, OS X is less and less important as the digital hub of my home. In fact, it no longer is — I stream music to my iPhone over Spotify and stream films and TV to my iPad over Netflix. Google provides my email and Instagram and Facebook store my photos. I can’t remember the last time I even opened iTunes (on purpose). Oh, and the Apple Watch only requires an iPhone, not a MacBook, should my curiosity prompt a purchase.

Microsoft under Nadella is intriguing. I like this new company. I like the Windows tiled OS, and I like the weird promise of Windows Holographic and HoloLens. I also kind of like Microsoft's Office apps, especially now that they're free on iOS.

Is it time to switch back?

Five stories to start your day


  1. Windows 10 to launch this summer in 190 countries

    While the software maker isn’t naming an exact date, Windows chief Terry Myerson is committing the company to a summertime launch today. "We continue to make great development progress and shared today that Windows 10 will be available this summer in 190 countries and 111 languages."

  2. Acer Chromebook 15 review: the big Chromebook has arrived

    If the MacBook and the Pixel — expensive, technological tours de force with golden and aluminum finishes — represent the future of laptop computers, the Chromebook 15 represents the computer of today. It’s the laptop for the average person that values price over design or portability, but also doesn’t want to put up with the lousy, frustrating experience so often associated with cheap computers.

  3. Twitter just made it easier to report harassment to the cops

    Twitter "sucks at dealing with abuse." CEO Dick Costolo said so himself. Today the company released another change as part of its promise to start sucking less. Twitter users who are threatened on the service and file a report will have the option of emailing that report to local law enforcement.

  4. Adam Sandler returns in 'pixels' to destroy your cherished video game memories

    It's up to Adam Sandler and his usual cast of friends — plus Peter Dinklage with a fantastic mullet — to stop Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, iconic characters repurposed by the aliens and built from glowing blocks, from destroying the planet.

  5. Dr. Dre meet Dr. Ye

    The rapper, singer, and producer known as Kanye West will be awarded an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on May 11th.

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