Microsoft has hit another milestone on its way to releasing new versions of Windows and Office and more. Here are some highlights of recent announcements:

• Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for existing Windows 7 and Windows 8 users as long as you upgrade in the first year after Windows 10's release date.
• The Start button and Start menu are back so people familiar with every version of Windows going back to Windows 95 will know what they are doing!
• Windows 10 is smarter about the device it's running on.  It transforms its capabilities and interface whether or not you have a touch screen, or even a keyboard/mouse.  For example, if you have a 2-in-1 laptop and remove the touchscreen from the keyboard/mouse component, it will sense this and adjust accordingly.
• Windows 10 now includes Cortana, Microsoft's competitor to Siri and Google Now. It lets you use natural voice commands to interact with your desktop and laptop.
• Office for the iPad continues to receive regular updates and Office for Android devices has been officially released.
• One Windows cross platform commitment meaning Windows will have a more consistent look and feel across your desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones.

Windows is available in a free preview version if you feel like getting your geek on. But hold off on putting it on any production devices - it's still in the beta/preview phase.