Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Mixed Reality Headsets Arriving On Oct. 17

Microsoft has announced that the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will be available worldwide on Oct. 17. The release of the Fall Creators Update also signals the arrival of some of the very first Mixed Reality headsets from third-party manufacturers.

“With the Fall Creators Update we are introducing some fun, new ways to get creative,” Microsoft’s executive VP for Windows and devices group Terry Myerson said. “All of this innovation will be brought to life by a range of beautifully designed, and feature rich modern devices available from our hardware partners this holiday.”

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update introduces a slew of new features focusing on new creative tools, as well as improving some of the existing functions in Microsoft’s operating system. The update will include the new people integration, which allows users to pin their favorite contacts right on the taskbar, as pointed out by The Verge.

Another thing that’s going to be added on Windows 10 is the integration of OneDrive to the Photos App. IBT reported previously that this will allow the Photos app to be powered by an AI which allows users to search for photos just by typing keywords or descriptions of what’s in the photos.

The Photos app will also be able to deliver what Microsoft calls “remixed experiences.” This is actually a new feature called Story Remix, where users will be able to create video clips from photos and videos in their library, and add text, music and transitions.

The Fall Creators Update also include OneDrive filed on-demand. This makes it easier for users to access their files from the cloud from all their Windows 10 devices. The update improves Windows Inking, making stylus controls more accurate than ever.

For gaming, the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update also has an improved Game Mode. When activated, Game Mode will let users play their games with the full processing power of their Windows 10 device. This will be perfect for those users who are planning on playing Xbox Play Anywhere games.

On the security side, the Fall Creators Update, Windows Defender will be smarter. Microsoft says that it will now be able to defend against new ransomware and exploits behind the scenes through the cloud.

The Windows 10 update also bring more accessibility to users as native Eye Tracking will finally be integrated into the operating system. This allows users who may have neuromuscular diseases to take control of Windows 10 hands free. Eye Tracking on Windows 10 will still be in beta for the Fall Creators Update, but it should mean that more users will be able to try it out.

The biggest change in Windows 10 is the inclusion of Windows Mixed Reality. As part of this effort, the first batch of Windows Mixed Reality headsets will be available on Oct. 17. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo are the manufacturers that Microsoft has partnered with for the new headsets.

Lenovo actually showed off its headset during IFA 2017 called The Explorer, which will cost $350. Acer’s headset will cost $299, while HP’s will cost $329. Asus won’t be able to release its own Mixed Reality headset until Spring 2018.

“Our mission at Microsoft is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, one of the ways we’re supporting that mission is by taking this next step in our Windows journey and empowering the creator in all of us with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update,” Myerson said.