Microsoft has issued yet another update for users of Windows 10, this time with a focus on improving certain voice recognition features and overall usability.
The software update falls right under Microsoft's Windows 10 Preview initiative, wherein the company's latest OS receives updates on a more regular basis compared to its predecessors. With this one, Windows 10 goes from build number 18875 to build number 18885.
It's important to note that the update is officially dubbed Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 18885. That may come in handy for anyone who may be looking to get the software update onto any machine manually.
In any case, it's available for those who are enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, specifically those who are in the Fast ring. It works overall, but users are advised to watch out for bugs during usage. Microsoft states that these bugs might be "painful" for some who end up encountering them.
What's New With The New Windows 10 Preview
What exactly does this new Windows 10 build bring to the table? Firstly, it adds new features to the app called Your Phone. With the update, phone screen support has been expanded to include models such as the Samsung Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, and flagship OnePlus smartphone models.
There are also other phone-related enhancements such as improved Notifications in the above-mentioned app, as well as extended support to most Android phones running Android 7.0 or later.
Meanwhile, the new Windows 10 Preview also adds Dictation support for more languages. Apart from English (United States), the OS now supports dictation in English (Canada), English (UK), and English (Australia) to name a few.
Using the built-in dictation features is now also as easy as ever. It can be activated by focusing on a text field and pressing the Windows key + H.
Aside from the feature additions and enhancements that are included in this update, it also brings certain bug fixes. Some of these are a fix for an issue involving external drives and randomly changing drive letters, and updated text and visuals for certain sections of the OS.
The Proper Way To Use This Update
Officially, this new Windows version is considered a work in progress. It comes with a total of eight known issues, which are all laid out in full on the official Windows blog.
In any case, it's usable as an OS for sure, but its usage should be restricted on computers that are considered proper test machines or backup units in a multi-computer home or office. At the very least, it shouldn't be taken anywhere near a daily driver or production machine to avoid any headaches moving forward.
