Microsoft may have hit the brakes on the smartphone hardware manufacturing, but when it comes to the software end, things are shaping up.
Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview Build 14322 recently rolled out to the Fast Ring and it comes packed with neat improvements and consistent upgrades.
Cortana And Emojis
Two new features added to the reminders function in Cortana stand out from the get-go.
Windows phone owners were already able to ask the virtual assistant to remind them about getting that Dom Pérignon for the wedding anniversary. However, the new feature enables them to add an image of the specific bottle, so they do not get confused in the liquor store.
Cortana is also integrated with Microsoft Edge in a way that helps you schedule your activities. For example, should you want to read an Edge article at a later date, the story may be shared from Edge to Cortana, and the helpful assistant will remind you about it.
The lock screen and media controls also got an overhaul, and let's not forget about one of the fun messaging features: new emojis. The company reworked the style of its emojis, bringing them up to date.
The emoji layout was also rearranged, so that users can easily pick one of the following categories: Favorites, Celebrations and Objects, People, Food and Plants, Transportation and Places, Smileys and Animals, Symbols, and the standard ASCII emoticons. Soon, Windows Mobile users will be able to tap into the lolpower of the Ninja Cat emoji, as well.
Screen, Lock And Messaging Features
Microsoft finally took notes from rival OEMs and packed a feature that enables extra actions from the lock screen. Now, the camera can be operated without unlocking the device, and owners of devices that do not sport a dedicated camera button can access the functionality via the lock screen.
The company also says that a preview of its "Messaging everywhere" capability in Windows 10 will soon be available. The capability lets users rely on their PC to compose and send text messages as if they were sending them directly from their handsets.
"You will see options for this feature in the Messaging app on PC but not on Mobile. A newer Mobile build is required for this experience to fully light up. More to come on this when the experience is live," Microsoft notes.
Microsoft also explains that the Microsoft Edge browser received improvements in the copy/paste area and tab management.
User Interface Revamping
The new build's most prominent UI upgrade is that when you attach a photo to a reminder, these images get highlighted in a visible way. Notifications will get packed together in a more orderly fashion: should you have a myriad of reminders from a certain app, Windows 10 Mobile now groups them together.
An app multiple-level prioritization is also in store so you can place Messages at the top, if that is your main focus. One-click expansion is available for those moments when the same app pellets you with notifications.
Some other upgrades within the new build tackled the icons. Ranking as very useful is Windows 10 Mobile's Quick Actions, which is a tab of shortcuts users can pull up by swiping down from the top of the screen. Each of them can be turned on and off at will, helping users to save battery life.
Furthermore, Microsoft gave an individual icon to each setting in the Settings menu, allowing for easier orientation.
USB Ethernet Support With Continuum
"Continuum-capable phones now include support for most USB Ethernet adapters," Microsoft points out.
This means that users can get "network connectivity through an attached Ethernet cable," should they plug their Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL into an Ethernet cable via the Microsoft Display Dock. Visit the official page for additional details about this feature.
