The Windows 10 launch on July 29 marked the start of an important milestone in the Windows journey for Microsoft. Members of the media, bloggers, Windows Insiders, partners, customers and fans were invited to participate in Windows 10 launch parties held across 13 major cities around the world, including Beijing, Tokyo and Singapore. In addition, Microsoft also reached out to the other key markets in Asia with events which showcased the features of Windows 10 and provided an opportunity for the media and influencers to try the new operating system.
Here’s a look at some of the Windows 10 launch day highlights across Asia.
Australia: The Australians were among the first in the world to celebrate the launch of Windows 10. The event, held at a custom-built waterfront location with the beautiful Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the backdrop, saw more than fans and media participate in various activities to experience Windows 10.
Singapore: At times, the Windows 10 event in Singapore felt more like a party than a product announcement. Over 50 media and more than 350 fans were treated to performances by local hip-hop artist Shigga Shay and DJ Nicole Chen. Local celebrities (as seen in the image) such as YouTuber Tan Jianhao, female blogger and gamer Tammy Tang and youth footballers Irfan and Ikhsan Fandi were also roped in to share their experiences with Windows 10 and demonstrate some of their favorite features.
(From left to right) Guenter Weimer, General Manager of Windows and Surface for Microsoft Asia Pacific; Irfan Fandi; Ikhsan Fandi; Tammy Tang; Tan Jianhao; Jessica Tan, Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore.
Japan: A capacity crowd of 500 people packed the Windows 10 celebration party in Japan, with President and CEO Hirano-san engaging the attendees with his opening address and handshake photo sessions with more than 50 fans. Members of the media and fans were also entertained with great food and a live concert performance.
China: Microsoft China organized a series of workshops with selected media to do detailed demonstrations and hands-on sessions of Windows 10. There were also media group interviews with key spokespersons to share broader strategies, leading up to the launch and fan celebration event on July 29. Media buzz on the Windows 10 celebrations was so high, it became the leading topic on social media channels including Weibo and WeChat.
India: The Windows 10 event in India saw more than 180 media representatives from over 125 media outlets participate in the launch. More than 25 media interviews were conducted onsite with key Microsoft spokespeople including Bhaskar Pramanik, Vineet Durani and Harish Vaidyanathan. The launch of Windows 10 created a strong buzz on social media platforms in India with a total reach of 44 million on July 29 itself.
Korea: More than 160 journalists from 111 media outlets in Korea participated in the media session, where they were given a live demonstration of the most exciting features in the new OS as well as an opportunity to try out Windows 10 devices (as seen in the image). What was apparent was the emphasis on the “free upgrade for a year” message, which saw “Windows 10” and “Windows 10 free upgrade” top the list of trending topics and search keywords at Naver, the leading local search engine.
Hong Kong: Hosting more than 70 members of the media, Microsoft’s GM in Hong Kong, Horace Chow (right), shared the company’s vision on how Windows 10 empowers people to do great things, while Windows lead, Constantin Stahlknecht, did live demonstrations of some of the key features including Windows Hello, Microsoft Edge and Xbox live streaming. However, four-year-old Liam (left) stole the spotlight at the Windows 10 launch simply by using his face to sign in with Windows Hello.
The Philippines: Windows 10 launch marks the beginning of #UpgradeYourWorld campaign which aims to celebrate people and organizations who inspire and empower others through their work and continue to upgrade the world each day. In line with this, Microsoft Philippines partnered with inspiring people in the community such as CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, graphics designer and illustrator Dan Matutina, advocate for overseas Filipino workers Myrna Padilla, Microsoft YouthSpark winner Dominic Co.
(From left to right) Mae Moreno, Windows Lead of Microsoft Philippines; Efren Peñaflorida; Dan Matutina; Myrna Padilla; Dominic Co; and Cian O’Neill, COO of Microsoft Philippines.
Thailand: The journalists who attended the Windows 10 briefing and group interview session were among the first in Thailand to experience the new operating system. Leading retailers in the country also participated in the Microsoft Tech Bench program to help consumers upgrade their new devices to Windows 10. Microsoft Thailand’s, Ekaraj Panjavinin, Consumer Channel Group director, and Rachod Isarankura Na Ayuthaya, Windows and Surface Client Business Group Lead, are seen here with devices updated with Windows 10.
Taiwan: Microsoft Taiwan celebrated the Windows 10 launch with fans and held a press conference for more than 130 local media. General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan, Steven Shaw, gave a presentation on various features such as Windows Hello, Start Menu and the Universal Windows Platform. Interestingly, a live band was invited to demonstrate other features such as Microsoft Edge, Virtual Desktops, OneDrive and Continuum.
Malaysia: Held at the Talent Lounge in Petaling Jaya, the Windows 10 launch in Malaysia was attended by more than 50 media from over 30 titles. In line with the #UpgradeYourWorld initiative, Microsoft Malaysia also took the opportunity to honor three great Malaysians who have inspired and empowered others with their contributions. They are Yang Berbahagia Senator Bathmavathi Krishnan, Member of Dewan Negara, Parlimen Malaysia; YM Raja Riza Shazmin Raja Badrul Shah, Honorary Secretary of Mercy Malaysia; and John-son Oei, the founder of EPIC Homes.
(From left to right) K Raman, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia; YB Senator Bathmavathi Krishnan; John-son Oei; YM Raja Riza Shazmin Raja Badrul Shah
Indonesia: The Windows 10 launch event held in Jakarta was attended by more than 70 journalists, bloggers as well as OEM partners who were given a demonstration of the key features of Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Enterprise. They also had an opportunity to try some of those features at the hands-on session.
