Microsoft has finally released a much awaited new build of Windows 10 to ‘fast’ ring Insiders, and although it doesn’t include the new Project Spartan browser for everyone to play with, there are a number of new features and improvements in this build that make it impressive compared to previous releases. Here’s a list of the most important ones:
The Start Menu is now transparent, which was a heavily requested feature. Microsoft has also fixed issues with the All Apps list, and it’s now easier to use the All Apps button on a touchscreen device. You can also pin apps from the most used list, and even settings from the Settings app (there’s now a pin button under the title bar).
Virtual Desktops now features usability improvements, so that users can easily drag a window to a virtual desktop, or move it to a new desktop by dragging it to the “+” button, all in one step.
Cortana expands into new markets on the desktop, including China, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Unofficially, you can test it in other regions by changing your region in the Settings app.
A new network flyout should make life easier for people that are not content with the way it worked in Windows 8. Upon clicking the Network icon, users will be greeted by a small window with quick access to wireless networks and VPN setups.
The Photos app has been updated to support RAW files and a small number of keyboard shortcuts, and will now display OneDrive photos on its live tile.
The new handwriting input canvas is optimized for a better handwriting recognition experience with short text entry, and upon tapping in edit control with a pen, it automatically displays suggestions and word predictions.
The Lockscreen has been updated to feature the new rounded avatar, and depending on your region, you’ll get rotations of imagery - although you can still set an image of your liking as the background.
The Windows Feedback and Insider Hub apps have also been improved: you can now filter your feedback as well as suggestions, and add “Me too” directly from search. Overall performance has been improved, and you can track how much you’ve contributed by accessing the ‘Your Progress’ page in the Feedback Hub.
As you can probably see, Microsoft is actually listening to feedback, and working to improve Windows 10, which is going to be released to 190 markets this summer.
Source: Windows Blog
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