Microsoft announced the follow-up to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update at its Surface event, called the Window 10 Creators Update and just like the Anniversary Update that preceded it, it'll be available as a free download this spring. The focus for this update is catering to the creation and consumption of multimedia, but brings improvements to experiences in gaming & social too.
1. 3D integration throughout Windows & other Microsoft services
Microsoft is aiming Windows 10 to natively support virtual reality, augmented reality and holographic computing using their HoloLens. They've introduced a brand new range of new tools for 3D content consumption & creation.
They demoed user take a 3D scan of a sand castle using their phone, manipulate and edit it on the newly announced Paint3D (more on that later), and also do so in augmented reality using HoloLens. They can also share it to a friend too!. "We want you to move around a 3D world as naturally as you scroll through a document," said Microsoft. They will deliver on this promise with their hardware partners (read on to learn more)
2. VR headsets that are affordable (starting at $299)
Microsoft wants is to make VR as accessible & affordable as possible, because it is pointless to support 3D content when users can't enjoy it in virtual reality.
As mentioned above, Microsoft partnering with HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer to create new headsets with built-in six-degree-of-freedom head tracking, starting at just $299. Microsoft hasn't released any details about these headsets yet, except for that they're standalone devices. Expect the quality to be somewhere between what we get from Samsung's Gear VR and high-end headsets like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.
As mentioned above, Microsoft partnering with HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer to create new headsets with built-in six-degree-of-freedom head tracking, starting at just $299. Microsoft hasn't released any details about these headsets yet, except for that they're standalone devices. Expect the quality to be somewhere between what we get from Samsung's Gear VR and high-end headsets like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.
3. Paint and PowerPoint in the third dimension
Microsoft is creating this easy 3D experience by updating their existing apps and services to support 3D. On stage, Microsoft demoed three examples — Paint, PowerPoint & Edge — showing how both now come with 3D-object creation, editing and viewing.
Paint 3D can create basic 3D shapes, which will be sharable via SketchUp or social networks. 3D objects you created in Minecraft can also be edited here and then be sent to a 3D printer. PowerPoint can integrate 3D objects from a 3D clipart library and then layer in movements (like spinning round a 3D ball). What's important here is that this is only the start. Microsoft is promising that 3D will be implemented across its most popular applications in the coming year.
4. Improvements in online game streaming/broadcasting & tournaments
“Windows 10 Creator's Update is designed for e-sports & game broadcasting" are Microsoft's own words. Xbox's streaming service is now baked into Windows 10, which means you don't need OBS, Twitch or Xsplit. All you need to do is hold down the Windows key and G to start a stream. They're also making Cross-Play and their upcoming tournament support system available, right now mainly for e-sports titles. Expect to see major improvements in subsequent updates.
For more private gaming sessions, the company also announced a new service for creating private tournaments with friends. Arena on Xbox Live software will handle all the administrative tasks like score tracking and leave users free to play.
5. Easy social sharing & communication
Windows 10 Creators Update will allow pinning icons for a select number of contacts right to the task bar. You can then drag and drop files to these icons to share them as quickly as possible, and this space will also act as a hub for messaging apps, aggregating communications from programs like Skype and email to make it accessible all in one place. You can even send an emoji nudge, it'll appear right on that person's desktop.
6. Availability
Microsoft just said it'll be launching this spring but didint give any specific date. Users enrolled in the Windows Insiders beta program will be able to download an early build this week.
