Terry Myerson, executive vice president of operating systems at Microsoft, speaks for new Windows 10 products at a media event in 2015. (Photo : Getty Images/Andrew Burton)
Following the announcement of new features for its Windows 10 anniversary update, Microsoft released a huge update for Windows software testers on April 22, Friday. It allows insiders to try the software's new additions with Windows 10 Build 14328.
Windows Ink was a big change announced earlier this month, and it is mainly designed for stylus to enable users to write on the device as they do on paper, and easily share their thoughts with the digital world. Microsoft integrates Windows Ink into apps, such as Office, Maps and the Edge browser, the Redmond-based tech firm posted on its Windows official blog.
Windows 10 Build 14328 includes Windows Ink Workspace and a new ruler that allows users to freely create objects and shapes. The Ink Workspace provides access to a sketchpad, a new screen sketch feature and enhanced sticky notes.
The recent build comes with several Cortana enhancements to make the digital assistant a core part of Windows 10. Cortana can already be accessed on the lock screen, or the user can see its notification in the Action Center.
Cortana can now share articles from a News app to remind the user to read them and take photo reminders. It can be used without having to sign up or set it up. It will just prompt the user in future sign-in for more personalized feeds.
The most recent build also comes with tweaks of the user interfaces Start menu and Start Screen. It puts together all apps UI and most used apps list into a single view, resulting to a less cluttered Start menu. The fullscreen all apps list returns in the Start Screen. One can toggle between all apps view, regular pinned apps and automatically hide the taskbar when in tablet mode.
Build 14328 brings many changes, including small but welcomed ones, according to The Verge. Microsoft tweaked notifications in the taskbar with a badge that indicates the number of waiting items. Quick actions can already be customized, such as to reply or act on notifications. File Explorer, Settings and Power shortcuts have been moved as well to make them visible all the time.
The taskbar clock now integrates with Calendar so there is no need to open the full app to check appointments. Email addresses are turned off on lock screen by default. The lock screen will have media controls available with album art to play songs while other changes fall in overall settings app to improve app management and pen settings.
Here is Windows 10 Build 14328 and the new features that come with it on:
