Windows 10 to be the last version of Windows, until the next version

At its Ignite conference last week, a Microsoft developer evangelist, Jerry Nixon, was quoted as saying, “Right now we’re releasing Windows 10, and because Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, we’re all still working on Windows 10.”

This is one of those statements that seems tremendously meaningful right up until the point that it isn’t.

Meaningful, because, as we’ve discussed before, Microsoft is pushing “Windows as a service.” Windows 10 will receive a steady stream of both security and feature updates. Unlike prior versions of Windows, it seems that these feature updates won’t necessarily be rolled into infrequent service packs or other major updates, instead delivered as they become ready. With the Inside Program, those who care will be able to get early access to these new features. Most importantly of all: they’ll all retain the same “Windows 10” brand name.