Windows 10: 7 Predictions Of What's Next

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January 21 marks Microsoft's first major event of 2015. During Windows 10: The Next Chapter, the company is expected to shed some light on what consumers and customers can expect to see in Windows 10, which is set to debut in the latter half of 2015.

The stakes are high for Microsoft going into this year. The company suffered a troublesome 2013 and spent much of the following year recovering under the leadership of new CEO Satya Nadella, who turned Microsoft's focus to cross-platform and cloud-centric strategies. Can the tech giant maintain its progress?

Microsoft promises that Windows 10 will integrate PCs, tablets, and phones, as well as Xbox and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It has been particularly quiet about the consumer version of Windows 10, which will be the focus of Wednesday's event. So far, its announcements on Windows 10 have indicated changes in desktop and enterprise features, but users eagerly await details on what they can expect to see in smartphones and tablets.

[Predictions beyond 1/21: 5 Must-Do's for Microsoft in 2015.]

Current Windows users anticipate -- well, hope -- that Windows 10 will address some of the critical issues found in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, both of which did little to impress the majority of users. The new OS will likely improve on Microsoft's attempt to create different systems for touch and non-touch devices.

It's expected that Windows Phone 10 will take up much of the spotlight during Wednesday's event. According to IDC, Windows Phone so far has captured less than 3% of the market, lagging far behind Google's Android and Apple's iOS. Although Microsoft has recently decided to broaden its smartphone growth in emerging markets, it’s expected to improve on its mobile offerings later this year.

The tech community is excited to see what's coming from Microsoft this week. With Satya Nadella, Windows chief Terry Myerson, Windows Phone chief Joe Belfiore, and head of Xbox Phil Spencer in attendance, it's sure to be a big event. Click through our slideshow to see what we're expecting to learn.

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