Microsoft hopes to make its new operating system, Windows 10, indispensable to all computer users by releasing seven different versions, making sure there's something for every conceivable kind of machine, from smartphone to desktop. To sweeten the deal, the smartphone game smash Candy Crush will come preinstalled in all systems.
The hope is that the intensive work that went into the system will lead to strong sales when Windows 10 is released in 190 countries and 111 languages sometime in the third quarter.
Upgrades to Windows 10 Home, the Pro version and Windows 10 Mobile for smartphones will be free for users of some predecessor versions like 7, 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, provided they install Windows 10 in the first year that it's available.
"We are making strong progress with Windows 10, and we are on track to make it available this summer," said Microsoft manager Tony Prophet in a recent blog post.
Windows 10 is not just designed to run on computers and smartphones, but also to play a role in running the "internet of things." Smaller, less expensive devices will run on Windows 10 IoT Core.
Other devices - like cash dispensers, elevators, industrial robots or retailer handhelds - will all also get their own versions of the system.
The new heart of Windows 10 will even beat inside the XBox gaming console, which means that all Windows 10 devices will be able to keep on playing games you start on your XBox.
Microsoft also announced that it will be collaborating with gaming developer King Digital Entertainment, which is how it can package Candy Crush Saga into its system, wrote Microsoft manager Brandon LeBlanc.
The game will automatically be available to anyone who switches to Windows 10 when it first goes on sale.
Candy Crush is one of King's most popular games, still earning about 38 per cent of the company's sales.
A so-called freemium game, it's given away for free, but requires payments if players want to unlock special features.
According to the company, Candy Crush is played by 550 million people, including 8.5 million who pay for the experience.
Nor is the deal limited to Candy Crush. More Windows 10 games are planned from the company, including a new version of the classic Solitaire Collection with Solitaire, Hearts and Minesweeper.
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