Windows 10 Mobile release date Jan. 21; Microsoft's Windows 7 support ends

[Photo credit: Microsoft]

Microsoft just ended the mainstream support for Windows 7. This means that users whose machines run the operating system will no longer receive free phone and online support as well as non-security updates. 

For the security updates though, Microsoft will continue providing support for Windows 7 users until Jan. 14, 2020, similar with what it did when it ceased support for Windows XP but still provided extended support until last year. At the moment, many PCs are still running Windows 7, primarily because Windows 8 was not entirely successful in making users switch. According to reported stats, Windows 8 is being used by 19 percent of users, while Windows 7 still has the lion's share with more than 50 percent. 

In other Windows news, new reports state that Windows 10 Mobile will be rolled out alongside the Windows 10 Consumer Preview in a press event on Jan. 21. Windows 10 Mobile will pack a number of changes and improvements meant to support the new hardware parts to be included in the new generation of Windows Phones and devices like Snapdragon 810 and 805 chipsets, higher RAM and Quad HD resolution. 

One of the big changes coming to Windows 10 Mobile OS is that it will enable the smartphones to be connected to the desktop OS or Windows 10. This feature is quite similar to the feature offered by Apple's iOS and Google's Android. In addition, the user interface will be changed as well. 

The release of Windows 10 Mobile OS hints the onslaught of new high-end smartphones to the market. The OS update will be delivered not only to Lumia devices but also to smartphones made by other manufacturers like HTC and Samsung running the Windows operating system. 

However, there is no word from Microsoft yet about a new mobile OS. The Redmond-based giant will hold a press conference on Jan. 21 where more details will most likely be revealed.