Microsoft skips 9 to introduce Windows 10

The next version of Microsoft's flagship operating system will be called Windows 10, as the company skips version 9 to emphasise advances it is making towards a world centred on mobile devices and internet services.

The current version, Windows 8, has been widely derided for forcing radical behavioural changes. Microsoft is restoring some of the more traditional ways of doing things and promises that Windows 10 will be familiar for users regardless of which version of Windows they are now using.

For instance, the start menu in Windows 10 will appear similar to what's found in Windows 7, but tiles opening to the side will resemble what's found in Windows 8.

Joe Belfiore, a Microsoft executive who oversees Windows design and evolution, said Windows 10 would offer "the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the benefits that exist in Windows 8" to help business users make the transition.

Microsoft offered a glimpse of its vision for Windows at a San Francisco event on Tuesday aimed at business customers. Microsoft made a technical preview version available to selected users from yesterday. It plans to unveil details about consumer features early next year, with a formal release in mid-2015.

Analysts consider the success of the new Windows crucial for Microsoft and new CEO Satya Nadella, who must show that Microsoft can embrace mobile devices without sacrificing the traditional computing experience.