Microsoft Adds New Features, Improvements To Latest Windows 10 Test Build

Microsoft has introduced a slew of new features for the test version of Windows 10 build 16215. The update brings a redesigned Action Center, an improved Edge browser and a smarter Cortana.

The latest test build for Windows 10 introduces a new UI that includes elements from Microsoft’s previously announced Fluent Design System. Action Center, the notification center on the operating system, has been given a redesign that makes information clearer by having better divisions. Apps are now separated into sections so users can easily distinguish what notifications are active.

The Microsoft Edge web browser also received some much needed improvements. The new Windows 10 test build bring back pinned websites. Now, users will be able to pin websites right onto the task bar.

Users will be able to pin websites by clicking “Pin this page to the taskbar” option under the Edge browser’s settings. Clicking on a pinned website will immediately open the webpage on the Edge browser.

Full screen mode for the Edge web browser has also been improved. Now, user will simply have to press F11 key to enter and exit full screen mode. Users can now annotate EPUB books right on the Edge browser.

Users will simply have to select the text they want to annotate and select a colored highlight or a colored underline. Then, user can also add notes to highlighted text by clicking on them and selecting “Add a note.” Notes can be edited or deleted by clicking the “Edit your note” button.

Microsoft listed down other improvements for the Edge web browser on its lengthy blog post. Other improvements include a new splash page animation, adding tabs to favorites and new animation for opening/closing tabs.

Cortana on the new Windows 10 test build now comes with more intelligent features. First is camera roll insights, where Cortana will be able to create a reminder when it recognizes an event’s poster on the user’s camera roll. This will only work when user grant Cortana permission to access the user’s camera roll. To do this, users must go to Settings > Cortna > Permission & history > “Manage the information Cortana can access from this device.”

The next new feature for Cortana is the Cortana Lasso. This feature will only work for those using the Surface Pen or other supported stylus. Using the Lasso Tool, users will simply have to encircle relevant information and Cortana will be able to recognize the time and date. Cortana will then be bale to provide users follow ups for that event. In order to use Cortana Lasso, users must go to Settings > Device > Pen & Windows Ink > Press and hold, the select Cortana Lasso form the dropdown menu.

Stylus support on Windows 10 has been given an upgrade as well. The handwriting panel has added more gestures, better editing, emoji and automatic handwriting detection, according to The Verge.

“As you write, you’ll now see your previous words convert to typed text within the handwriting panel. When you fill the handwriting panel and lift your pen off the screen, the text will shift so you have room to continue writing,” Microsoft said.

Users will also be able to select texts they want to edit or change. Converted text can also be corrected by simply overwriting on top of it.

Other upgrades and improvement for the new Windows 10 build include shortcuts for emojis, new touch keyboard with predictive texts, emoji suggestions and one-handed layout, and dictation support for the touch keyboard.

Windows 10 test build 16215 also adds improved support for HDR monitors, a copylink feature for sharing webpages, and easily switching between public and private networks.

All of these new features are available now for Windows Insiders and those in the Fast ring. Regular users should expect all of these new features to be available later this year when the fall Creators Updates is released.