Microsoft sets the date to take wraps off Windows 10

Vendor claims it is 'pretty stoked' about OS launch

Microsoft is preparing to unveil Windows 10 to the world at an event on 21 January next year.

Reports emerged yesterday suggesting the firm would show off the new OS on that date and Microsoft published a blog last night confirming it.

The vendor said: "On Wednesday 21 January we will be holding an event here on Microsoft's Redmond campus where we will talk about the next chapter of Windows 10.

"You'll hear directly from senior leaders from the Operating Systems Group including Terry Myerson, Joe Belfiore and Phil Spencer, who will talk about the Windows 10 consumer experience – continuing the story we began in September. You'll also hear from our CEO Satya Nadella as well."

The event will be streamed live online so partners and customers can tune in, it added.

Microsoft has not set a formal launch date for the new OS, but Reuters claimed yesterday that the firm's chief operating officer Kevin Turner had hinted at the launch taking place "early next fall".

Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said earlier this month that Windows 10 will bring a "new generation of opportunities" to the channel thanks to the fact it will be able to run across a range of devices including PCs, tablets and even connected "things".

The vendor's global channel chief Phil Sorgen told CRN on Monday that so far, partners were optimistic about the imminent launch.

"Following the preview we launched of Windows 10, we are hearing the right things in market," he said. "The capability of a universal app that not only spans laptops, tablets and PCs, but opens up the opportunity to all form factors [such as] phones and Xbox... that is an exciting opportunity to developers and customers."

In its blog post last night, Microsoft said it was "pretty stoked" to show the world what is next for Windows 10.