Windows 10 Redstone 2 Launch Update: Microsoft Reportedly Unveiling New OS On Oct. 26

Microsoft's Fall hardware showcase event is set to take place at 10 a.m. EDT on Oct. 26 in New York. News around Windows 10 Redstone 2 for desktops and smartphones is reportedly expected.

Redstone 2 will focus on productivity improvements for desktops along with new features and improvements for Windows smartphones. The technology giant had released its Windows 10 Redstone 2 build no. 14901 on Aug. 11.

To make the Redstone 2 update scale universally across many devices, Microsoft is working on refactoring its OneCore Windows 10 subsystem.

The update includes several new features. Here's a look at some of them:

1. Office Hub

Microsoft is reportedly working on Office Hub — a feature that will integrate Windows 10 and Office 365 better, providing users with quick and easy access to emails, documents, events and calendar. It will keep users updated about what others are doing within shared documents via OneDrive and SharePoint by streaming Office 365.

Office Hub will have its own hub area on the taskbar, which opens up into a Cortana-like interface.

2. OneClip

OneClip is Microsoft’s universal cross-device clipboard. It will be integrated into Office 365 and Windows 10 and allow you to easily copy and paste between your phone and PC.

3. OneDrive File Placeholders

OneDrive placeholders are set to make a comeback with the Redstone 2 update. The company revealed at the Ignite 2016 event in September this year that placeholders will now be known as “On-demand sync."

4. People Bar

Microsoft is reportedly working on a new People Bar that will show faces of recent/active contacts in the taskbar, next to the system tray. The company might find a new name for it before the launch, though.

5. Continuum for Phones

Redstone 2 will focus mostly on Windows 10 Mobile features and enhancements, first of which will show up in the Microsoft Continuum devices. Microsoft is working on making Continuum seem more like a Windows 10 PC desktop environment with features such as multiwindow support, a fully functional taskbar and Action Center.

It will also come with features such as:

Independent Monitor Idle — This feature will let one screen time out while you work on the other one.

Proximity Connect — Your phone will automatically and wirelessly connect to your dock, even if it’s in your pocket.

Customizable Start Screens — Microsoft will offer independently customizable Start screens across connected devices.

PC-like experience — It will allow “win key+type” shortcut, taskbar app pinning and system tray windowing.

Other products expected to be launched at the event include Xbox Project Scorpio, Hololens and a Surface-branded Designer Bluetooth Desktop Kit along with a Surface Keyboard and a Surface Mouse.