Microsoft has announced the latest version of its Windows operating system, called Windows 10, at an event in San Francisco.
Terry Myerson, Windows chief said: "There's about one and a half billion people using Windows today. Devices outnumber people. Windows is at a threshold and now it's time for a new Windows.
"Our new Windows must be built from the ground up for a mobile first, cloud first world."
Microsoft says the new operating system will run on the "broadest types of devices ever" and sees the companies various app stores merged into one platform, called the One Store.
This will cover all of the company's smartphones, tablets and desktop computers.
"Windows 10 will deliver the right experience, at the right time. Windows 10 will be our most comprehensive platform, ever," said Mr Myerson.
"We're delivering one application platform. One store, one way for applications to be discovered, purchased, and updated across all of these devices."
The technology giant had been expected to announce an update to its flagship Windows software after the previous upgrade, Windows 8, which saw a major overhaul of the interface and functionality, received mixed reviews within the user community.
Microsoft says its new version of Windows will be "familiar" and compatible with existing management systems already in use around the world.
