What is Windows Redstone? Windows 10 hasn't been released yet, but Microsoft is ready to begin development of the first update to the new operating system, which according to unconfirmed information, could be distributed in 2016.
Codenamed Redstone, the first updated version of Windows 10 will be released. It is expected to be released in two waves, one in June and another in October 2016. It is very likely, according to unconfirmed information, that it will be offered for free to all computers running Microsoft's upcoming operating system.
At the moment, the information is very vague and obviously could not be valid until Microsoft's new operating system is released, but Neowin reports that the Redstone is expected to bring us all the features that will not be ready for Windows 10.
The Redstone update could be living proof that Microsoft will no longer release standalone versions of Windows, but will focus on delivering updates at a faster pace, when they are ready.
Windows 10 is said to be the last standalone version of Windows, and that Microsoft will then use a model currently used by Apple for Mac OS X: a large standalone OS-only release with continuous updates that will install all the new features, options, and applications developed by the company's developers.
What's most interesting is that the Redstone update will also keep the Windows Insider program running, as Microsoft reportedly plans to continue developing new products in the same way it does with Windows 10.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Windows 10 is expected to be released in the second half of 2015, most likely in August, while RTM is scheduled for June.
This means that the Redstone update will be available approximately 12 months after the release of Windows 10.
