Over the weekend, the one-millionth person registered to sign-up for the Windows Insider Program and download and install the Windows Technical Preview, Microsoft says, and unprecedented level of pre-release involvement for Windows. That this comes less than two weeks into the availability of the preview is a positive sign for the future success of Windows 10.
"This is going to be a different Windows," Microsoft's Joe Belfiore notes in a post celebrating this milestone. "We're going to share our plans and progress with you earlier and more often as we want to build a Windows that everyone will love and really enjoy using. I'm excited for the level of participation we've seen."
Here are some interesting bits Mr. Belfiore provided about the Windows Technical Preview.
1 million users in about 10 days. As noted up front, over 1 million people have installed the Windows Technical Preview.
200,000 pieces of user-initiated feedback (or UIFs) have been submitted to Microsoft via the Windows Feedback app from Windows Insiders.
Most installs are on real PCs. Only 36 percent of Windows Technical Preview installs have been in virtual environments like Hyper-V. So 64 percent of the installs are on actual PCs.
App launches are up. Microsoft's plan to bring Universal mobile apps to the desktop appears to be working already. 68 percent of testers are launching more than 7 apps per day, Belfiore says. And fully 25 percent of devices running the Windows Technical Preview are launching more than 26 apps per day.
Keep the feedback coming. Belfiore says that Microsoft is "hard at work poring through all the feedback, categorizing and processing it, and cycling it back into our development," and it wants more. He compares the process to building a plane while flying it with testers as their co-engineers.
Windows Suggestion Box on UserVoice. While Windows Insiders should continue to use the feedback mechanisms in Windows 10 and the Windows Technical Preview forums, Microsoft understands that not everyone can test software like this. So it has created a new Windows Suggestion Box on UserVoice so that anyone can provide feedback about Windows 10.
New build soon. Wondering when we're going to get the first major update to the Windows Technical Preview? "A new build should be coming soon too," Belfiore writes. He also recommends that you follow Microsoft's Gabe Aul on Twitter to get the first heads-up about future updates.
"Even though we're just two weeks into this huge collaborative project, we're learning a lot and we're working hard to keep up with your enthusiasm and passion," Belfiore concludes. "Overall, we've all been stoked to see the Windows Insider Program grow into a community of people actively participating and excited to help us build Windows 10. Thank you to all you Windows Insiders."
Obviously, the best way to stay up to date with Windows 10 and the Windows Technical Preview is right here on the SuperSite for Windows. In particular, bookmark my Complete Guide to the Windows Technical Preview, which is updated daily.
