Microsoft today took the wraps off the next iteration of Windows that it hopes will go even further in creating cohesion across different devices.  

During an early technical preview of the new operating system, Microsoft revealed that it is skipping Windows 9 and jumping directly to a product called Windows 10. 

The company said the new operating system will work across all devices and that the OS adapts to the devices customers are using, whether they’re on an Xbox, a PC, a smartphone, tablet or a wearable.  

In a press release, Executive Vice President of Operating Systems at Microsoft, Terry Meyerson, said that Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows. 

“This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers, and we look forward to working together with our broader Windows community to bring Windows 10 to life in the months ahead,” Meyerson said. 

With this iteration, Microsoft addressed the dearly missed Start menu. With Windows 10, the company brings back the Start menu, but with a twist. The OS will apparently be able to sense what type of input a user is employing, whether a mouse a keyoard or touch via a tablet, and adapt to that set up. So the more traditional Start menu will be there on when a mouse and keyboard are connected but the OS will revert back to tile mode when they are disconnected. 

Additionally, apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing users to maximize, minimize and close with a click. Also, a new quadrant layout allows up to four apps to be snapped on the same screen. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping, and it will even make smart suggestions on filling available screen space with other open apps.

Starting tomorrow, October 10, Microsoft will launch the Windows Insider Program, a Beta program that makes available a technical preview of Windows 10 for its participants.