Recognizing the Global Scope Beyond the Northern Hemisphere, Microsoft Adjusts Its Perspective
Microsoft has recently switched its naming convention for Windows 10 updates, moving away from seasonal names like "Fall Creators Update" and adopting a more straightforward H1 (first half) and H2 (second half) scheme instead. This change was prompted by a realization during a company meeting that seasonal names were not globally inclusive, as they were based on the Northern Hemisphere and confused users in the Southern Hemisphere where seasons are opposite.
The shift towards a hemisphere-neutral naming system began with the Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update), marking a consistent and unbiased way to indicate release timing without seasonal ambiguity.
This decision was made to address a Northern Hemisphere bias and to be more inclusive of customers in the Southern Hemisphere. The change was inspired by a colleague from the Southern Hemisphere who pointed out the previous naming convention's bias towards the Northern Hemisphere.
The Windows 10 October 2018 Update, also known as "the Update of the Damned," caused document destruction and was marred by other issues, leading Microsoft to reconsider its approach. As a result, the company decided to take a more sober approach, focusing on clarity and inclusivity in its naming conventions.
Moving forward, the next Windows version is expected to be Windows 11 25H2, scheduled for release in September or October. Microsoft continues to release updates for Windows 10 every month, ensuring that users have the latest features and security improvements.
[1] Microsoft Tech Community, "Windows 10 update naming changes explained," 2018, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-insider-program-blog/windows-10-update-naming-changes-explained/ba-p/1205426
[2] ZDNet, "Microsoft explains why it's changing the naming of Windows 10 updates," 2018, https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-explains-why-its-changing-the-naming-of-windows-10-updates/
AI-driven software has played a crucial role in Microsoft's decision-making process, analyzing user feedback and identifying biases in naming conventions for Windows 10 updates. The implementation of technology to streamline and prioritize inclusivity reflects Microsoft's commitment to cater to diverse global customer bases.
