Microsoft has been aggressive with marketing the Windows 10 and its related applications, even going so far as to put down the Windows 7 just to get users to jump ship and use its newest Operating System (OS). However, the Windows 10 creators are making sure that they can back up the company's claims by packing in a lot of improvements for the OS in the Creators Updates.
Microsoft is definitely on the Internet of Things (IOT) bandwagon since much of the improvements not only affect the device Windows 10 is installed but the third-party applications that support its functions as well. Some of the most notable enhancements Windows 10 is focused on have to do with its virtual assistant, 3D and Virtual Reality, Gaming improvements and improved privacy.
Tech Times looked at the list of improvements lined up for Windows 10 in 2017 and chose five of the most promising in the list.
3D Modeling
Microsoft is bent on getting 3D into Windows 10 and one of the ways it succeeded is with the launch of the Paint 3D application, as well as the "Windows Capture 3D Experience" application. Right now, the application can scan 3D objects via a Windows mobile device and export it to the Paint 3D application so users can view or modify it but Microsoft plans to expand the application to other smartphone devices too.
Minecraft fans would especially love the 3D modeling enhancement since their creations can now be exported and 3D printed. Sketchup is also supported and the company will be expanding the 3D feature in some the Microsoft Office applications so schools and offices are likely to see presentations in 3D soon because MS Word and Powerpoint are the first in line to receive the 3D feature.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
It is not enough for Microsoft to enable Windows 10 to create 3D models so the company made another step forward by partnering with various technology companies to develop a less expensive virtual reality headset.
The best part is that the technical specifications required to run the planned VR headset is surprisingly low so it's really giving a wide range of users great access to a full Virtual Reality experience.
Below are the specs revealed by Microsoft:
- CPU: Intel Mobile Core i5 (e.g. 7200U) Dual-Core with Hyperthreading equivalent
- GPU: Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 (GT2) equivalent or greater DX12 API Capable GPU
- RAM: 8GB+ Dual Channel required for integrated graphics
- HDMI: HDMI 1.4 with 2880 x 1440 @ 60 Hz
- HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.3+ with 2880 x 1440 @ 90 Hz
- Storage: 100GB+ SSD (Preferred) / HDD
- Bluetooth: 4.0 and above for accessories.
Game Broadcasting
If you're the kind of gamer who likes showing others how you like to strategize and do things in your favorite XBox games, then the new broadcast feature would probably excite you.
The additional "Broadcast" button in the Game DVR feature will now allow gamers to stream their gameplay in real time. The only limitation is that it will only support Xbox Live for now since it has yet to support Twitch and YouTube but, if your Xbox Live friends is your main priority, then this update is amazing for you.
Cortana
Cortana is Microsoft's very own virtual assistant and she's about to give users better support than ever before.
In the April 2017 Creator's update, Cortana will receive new voice commands that will allow it to restart, shut down, or put your device to sleep. Some applications, like Netflix, have also included support and voice commands for Cortana so users will be able to stream shows and tinker with other applications just by commanding Cortana to do so.
Microsoft is also enhancing Cortana's flexibility and working on getting the virtual assistant to sync a user's devices and enable push notifications. While we're on that, activating the "Hey, Cortana" voice command will also allow it to pop up full screen when a user's device is idle but unlocked.
Privacy Settings
Tech Times reported on Jan. 11 that Microsoft has heard complaints and criticism from Windows 10 users with regard to the telemetry data the company collects so the Creators Update will include changes to the Privacy Controls.
Users will now be able to see the information that Windows 10 collected from them in a separate Privacy Page in their Microsoft account and delete them. The company has also significantly decreased the amount of data collected by Windows 10 and users are encouraged to actively make choices on the type and amount of data collected from them by providing explanations on what the data is for.
As mentioned above, there are a lot of enhancements in store for Windows 10; however, the list above made our Top 5 because it really brings better experience for users and we hope Microsoft continues in this direction.
