Microsoft hasn't got Windows 10 out of the door yet but is already well underway making the next big update planned to launch in 2016.

The update will take the unlikely name of Redstone, an ore used for engines and moving parts in Minecraft.

Minecraft is now a key part of Microsoft, thanks to the $2.5 billion acquisition of Mojang, the company that created the Java-based sandbox tool played by hundreds of millions of people worldwide on almost every platform imaginable.

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Not much is known about the update other than Microsoft plans to introduce a huge new selection of devices, including HoloLens, smartwatches and potential smart home devices to the already large selection of devices capable of running Windows 10.

Redstone will not be a full update to Windows 11, rather like Windows 10.1 with several changes to the OS. This should mean no cost for customers already running Windows 10 although other Windows owners will have to pay for Redstone.

Windows Holographic and HoloLens are two technologies for augmented reality. Microsoft unveiled the new technology at its keynote event on January 21, where it also announced the plan for Windows 10 launch.

Windows 10 will come this summer to 190 countries. It will be free for Windows 8 customers and free for one year for Windows 7 customers. Windows Vista and XP will have to pay full price for the update although there is no price-tag available right now.

Microsoft is planning to launch the Start Menu, universal apps and plenty of other features to make Windows 7 and 8 fans join forces to move to Windows 10. This would be the best possible outcome for Microsoft but it could also backfire and put even more customers on Windows 7.

In terms of Minecraft, Microsoft hasn't shown any real desire to change the formula. It's allowing Mojang to continue work on the super successful sandbox but in terms of return on investment, this might be a long term ploy to have in-studio designers and developers capable of making fun games for the community.

TagsRedstone, Minecraft, HoloLens