Surf Report: 10 things your didn't know about Windows 10

Marc Saltzman, Special for USA TODAY 3:05 p.m. EDT August 1, 2015

Screenshot of Windows 10(Photo: 2015 Microsoft)

In case you've missed this week's fanfare, Windows 10 is officially here.

Microsoft's latest operating system (OS) is available as a free upgrade for home users of Windows 7 and newer – so long as you download it within its first year. You've also got one month to revert back to your previous OS if you're not a fan.

Which, chances are you will be – if my three months with Windows 10 is any indication.

You've probably heard about some of its key features, such as the return of the Start button, better built-in security and a new web browser. But there's a lot you likely don't know about Windows 10. The following is a look at ten such features:

Cortana by your side

Mice, keyboards, stylus pens and touchscreens are all well and good, but voice interaction is one of the more exciting features in Windows 10. Not unlike Siri for iOS and Google Now for Android, consider "Cortana" your own voice-activated personal digital assistant. Named after you're A.I. (artificial intelligence) companion in the Halo video game series, Cortana is at your beck and call, whether you ask "her" to pull up a recent sales report, set an alarm, call a friend, add an event to your calendar, take a note, or display photos from a recent birthday bash. You can also ask "What's up?" and Cortana will tell you interesting facts or what happened on this day in history.

Annotate web sites

A new integrated web browser called Microsoft Edge -- previously code-named Project Spartan (another Halo reference) – is lean, fast and secure, and includes advanced features such as writing or typing notes on websites (touch screens required for writing); simplified sharing of content with others; a distraction-free reading mode (online and offline support); support for extensions (unlike Internet Explorer); and integration of Cortana for finding and doing things faster and more intuitively. Be aware Bing is your default search engine, but you can change it to another, such as Google.

No more passwords?

Built into Windows 10 is Windows Hello, a biometrics-based password option – meaning it uses a unique part of your body to identify you – so you'll never have to remember login information again. Specifically, Windows Hello will authenticate you based on your face, iris or fingerprint, so it be easier and faster to log into your devices and web accounts – without sacrificing security and privacy, says Microsoft. On a related note, the Windows Passport feature remembers and stores passwords for you.

Consistent experience

Windows 10 was designed to adapt to multiple devices – and not just laptops and desktops. From smartwatches, phones and tablets to personal computers to servers in datacenters, you'll have a consistent, familiar experience across many different kinds of hardware. Windows 10 can also power tiny sensors (as part of the "Internet of Things" revolution), TVs (via Xbox One), 80-inch interactive whiteboards (Surface Hub) and even hologram-generating augmented reality goggles (check out the HoloLens demo video online).

Tying it all together

Windows 10 includes Continuum, a feature that makes it easy to move between keyboard and mouse and touch and tablet, as it automatically detects the transition and switches to the new mode for you. For example, in Microsoft's own Surface tablets, Windows 10 can switch from a classic desktop when the magnetic keyboard is attached to the full touchscreen experience when the keyboard is removed. You can also connect a Windows Phone or tablet to a monitor and use a mouse and keyboard like a PC, or use two devices as dual screens.

Screenshot of Windows 10 (Photo: 2015 Microsoft)

Custom desktops, multiple windows

Now that many of us are using larger monitors for work – I'm currently typing this article on a 27-inch all-in-one desktop – Windows 10 lets you better take advantage of that extra real estate. You can now have four apps "snapped" on the same screen, thanks to a new quadrant layout, plus Windows 10 also shows other apps running for additional snapping. Also new is support for multiple "virtual" desktops: create unique desktops for different projects (or segregate your 9 to 5 life from your 5 to 9 world) and easily toggle between these desktops by tapping or clicking on the Task View button on the taskbar (to the right of the search window).

Gestures aplenty

A few of the time-saving gestures you can discover in Windows 10: On your laptop touchpad, swipe three fingers up for Task View; down for Desktop; left or right to cycle through previous apps; and three-finger tap for Search. To create a new virtual desktop (per above), hold the CTRL and Windows key down and tap D, while to switch between virtual desktops you'll press CTRL and Windows key plus Left and Right arrows. Easily capture on-screen videos with a few shortcuts: Windows key and G to open up Game DVR; once opened, tap Windows + ALT + G to start recording and WIN + ALT+ R to stop.

Action Jackson

While it was half-baked in Windows 8, a new Action Center in Windows 10 shows you what you need to know, when you need to know it. Notifications slide into view – such as an email, calendar entry or sports score you wanted to know about – and then slide back out of sight. At any time, however, you can tap the Action Center icon on the lower right-hand side of your screen (or tap Windows key and A) and you'll see all notifications archived here. The Action Center also provides quick-action tabs for common functions, like enabling Bluetooth, connecting to a VPN (Virtual Private Network), adjusting brightness, battery tweaks, and more.

Windows 10 is fun, too

While Windows 10 might be billed as a productivity-centric OS, a number of games are already preinstalled, including King's Candy Crush Saga, along with classics like Solitaire, Minesweeper and Hearts. If you're more into creating your own gaming experiences and sharing them with up to seven friends, Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta is a free download from the Windows Store for the 20-odd million players who already have the PC edition of Minecraft (otherwise, it's $10). Among other features, this Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta supports multiple control schemes (controller, touch and keyboard) and the ability to record and share gameplay highlights with a built-in DVR feature.

Console gaming, too

While not tested yet, Windows 10 lets you stream games directly from your Xbox One to your Windows 10 devices over Wi-Fi, therefore you can play games on multiple devices (including online games against friends via Xbox Live); capture, edit and share your greatest gaming moments with those who matter; and on select games, enjoy console-grade graphics and speed thanks to Windows 10's new DirectX 12 application programming interface (API). In other words, you can play your Xbox One games on a desktop, laptop, or tablet in your home on your local Wi-Fi.

Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman. E-mail him at techcomments@usatoday.com.

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Source: Surf Report: 10 things your didn't know about Windows 10