News

Microsoft Releases new Windows 10 Preview

Published

7 years ago

July 27, 2017

The next major version of Windows 10, Fall Creators Update, is fast approaching its official release. Windows Insiders have been using the new version for a few months, however, testing out its newest features and diligently reporting issues back to Microsoft. Windows Insider builds have been pretty hefty, for the most part, and today’s release of preview build 16251 is no different.

For the most part, build 16251 continues the most recent trend of polishing up the major new Fall Creators Update functionality, while not necessarily adding in absolutely new features. However, Microsoft did slip in something new with a way to directly link to a smartphone, and the company also worked to polish up Cortana, made things a bit faster, improved input, and fixed a number of problems in Microsoft Edge.

Link your PC and phone

First up is an initial step toward making Windows 10 work even more closely with smartphones. Microsoft introduced a number of features at Build 2017 that are aimed at integrating PCs and phones, including a cloud copy feature, a Timeline feature that won’t be making it to Fall Creators Update after all, and a number of other ways to make using Windows 10 with any smartphone platform a better experience.

Today, July 26, Microsoft is introducing enhanced cross-device web browsing, specifically for Android with iPhone support coming soon. The new feature starts out with a new Settings option, simply called Phone, that allows users to link an Android device so that web sessions from the phone are continued on the PC. The feature requires the installation of a new Android test application, “Microsoft Apps,” which will be available to users in a link sent via SMS.

When a phone and a PC are linked and the new app has been added to the share menu, there will be a new share option on the phone called “Continue on PC.” Select that, and an option to “Continue now” or “Continue later” will be available. If you select “Continue now,” then the website will immediately open on the PC; otherwise, it will show up as an Action Center notification. Note that the PC and Android phone both need to be connected using the same Microsoft Account.

Web search results right in Cortana

Next, Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana gets some attention in Build 16251. To begin with, Cortana will now show search results directly in her interface without needing to launch a browser. That will provide faster and easier access to search results.

Also, Cortana has finally received the ability to lock, sign out of, shut down, or turn off a PC. You can simply say things like, “Hey Cortana, restart PC and “Hey Cortana, turn off PC” and she will respond accordingly. This feature was announced some time ago, but it’s finally live in this build. Some commands, such as shutting off the PC, will require voice confirmation — a good thing, just in case a user gets tongue-tied. In addition, users need to make sure to enable Cortana on the lock screen for all of the functionality to work, and it’s only available in English.

Better Boot Up

Microsoft has extended the advanced Windows Update feature that uses sign-in information to finish setting up a device, now enabling it for regular reboots and shutdowns. That means that Windows 10 will automatically set up your account after it has booted up, making sign-in faster and restoring accessibility applications and others that have registered for application restart.

There are command line options for the new feature:

shutdown /sg
Shutdown the computer. On the next boot, restart any registered applications.
shutdown /g
Full shutdown and restart the computer. After the system is rebooted, restart any registered applications.

And, users can opt out of the feature by going to Settings > Privacy and then disabling the option.

Input Improvements

Windows 10 also received a slew of improvements to input. Here are a few highlights directly from the Microsoft blog post:

We’ve adjusted the size of the one-handed touch keyboard to be a little bigger, as well as added a thicker border as padding around it so you’re less likely to accidentally tap outside the keyboard and dismiss it.
We’ve updated the new XAML touch keyboard to now support a full keyboard layout option for English (United States), English (Australia), French (France), Italian (Italy), German (Germany) and Spanish (Spain) languages. Appreciate everyone who shared feedback on the subject! To access this keyboard layout, tap the button in the top left of the touch keyboard.
As you launch and dismiss the touch keyboard, you’ll now notice an animation of it sliding in and out.
We’ve softened the sound of typing on the touch keyboard – thanks for your feedback!
We fixed an issue where the touch keyboard might get into a state where swiping across it would move the keyboard contents around.
We’ve adjusted two-finger precision touchpad scrolling so it should feel a bit smoother now – please try it out in today’s build.
In addition to scrolling, pen can now also select and drag objects when barrel button (a button on the side of the pen) is pressed. This functionality was already available in Win32 apps and Microsoft Edge as of 16215, and today we’re expanding it to include all UWP apps as well. Please try it out in your favorite apps and let us know how the experience is working for you.

Microsoft Edge Improvements

Finally, Microsoft’s underdog Edge browser has received its own share of improvements. Here’s the list, also straight from Microsoft:

Microsoft Edge will no longer re-scale sites when in Tablet Mode with narrow viewport width (such as in a snapped view or portrait orientation). This provides a more natural experience on modern responsive sites in tablet mode.
We fixed an issue from recent builds where the Copy Link option displayed in Microsoft Edge when you right-click a hyperlink wasn’t working.
We fixed numerous reliability issues in Microsoft Edge that will improve user experience with crashes and hangs within the app.
We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge with PDF failing to open on refresh.
We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge with PDF fitting to page for certain books.
We fixed an issue with Pinned Sites from Microsoft Edge where it wasn’t showing the right favicon on the taskbar.

You’ll want to check out Microsoft blog post on Windows Insider preview build 16251 to for the comprehensive list of fixes and known issues. As we get closer to the release of Fall Creators Update, the number of outstanding issues continues to decrease but there are still some important things to keep in mind before hitting that update button. As usual, you’ll need to be in the Fast Ring to get this build, and it’s also the build you’ll receive if you’re signed up for the new Windows Insider “Skip Ahead” option.

Related Topics:Cortana Microsoft Windows 10 Preview

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Gaming

TMNT: Mutants Unleashed Gameplay Trailer is Out

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2024

Chris Fernando

Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, in collaboration with Paramount Game Studios, is excited to reveal the thrilling new gameplay trailer for the highly anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed. Developed by AHeartfulofGames, this story-driven 3D Brawler/Platformer game will be released on 18th October 2024 and will be available to play on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.

Continuing the story of Paramount Pictures’ 2023 hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, fans of the beloved franchise can get ready to team up with everyone’s favourite heroes in a half shell, taking on missions solo or teaming up with a friend in up to 2-player co-op. The new gameplay trailer showcases the acclaimed 3D-meets-2D art style of the movie and sees players take control of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo, each with their unique combat style and unlockable skill tree. It also offers a glimpse at the game’s original storyline, as the pizza-loving crime fighters battle to save New York City from a rising Mewbie threat.

Narrated by fan-favourite character April O’Neil in the style of her captivating ‘O’News Casts, the trailer also showcases all-new original mutants and their difficulty-enhancing mutations, all designed by the film’s lead character designer, Woodrow White. Fans can also get a feel for the expansive New York City environments, from the tops of skyscrapers to down in the sewers, from pizza parlours to a concert led by Bebop and Rocksteady.

Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games said, “With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of this incredible franchise, it has been a pleasure to work with Paramount Games Studio to bring this extraordinary world to life. We hope this new gameplay trailer will whet the appetite of TMNT fans old and new!”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed will be coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on 18th October 2024. The Deluxe and Collector’s Edition physical releases are available to pre-order from specialist retailers now.

Events

HONOR Hosts ‘HONOR the INNOVATION’ Event

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Chris Fernando

HONOR revealed its latest flagship, the HONOR Magic V3, at the exclusive ‘HONOR the Innovation’ event. The launch of HONOR Magic V3 highlights HONOR’s unwavering commitment to innovation and the future of foldable technology, as the company continues to push boundaries and shape the tech landscape. The event followed HONOR’s announcement from the IFA 2024 site in Germany last week, where the company, in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft, unveiled a trio of pioneering mobile AI solutions, spotlighting advancements in AI-driven computing and security.

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AI Agent, an on-device assistant that enhances user efficiency by automating tasks and integrating seamlessly with various apps. Additionally, HONOR introduced the world’s first on-device AI Deepfake Detection technology, which utilizes advanced algorithms to identify manipulated media and safeguard users from digital deception.

HONOR Magic V3 Review: Redefining Foldable Excellence

At the heart of the event in Dubai, is HONOR’s vision to redefine the mobile experience with groundbreaking features and design, making the HONOR Magic V3 a pivotal device in the company’s product lineup. From its innovative AI-integrated features, sleek and ultra-thin foldable design, and high-end camera systems, HONOR Magic V3 represents HONOR’s mission to deliver cutting-edge technology that meets the needs of modern users.

The UAE’s focus on becoming a global hub for innovation aligns with HONOR’s mission to elevate the mobile technology standard. Through events and devices like the Magic V3, HONOR aims to contribute to the UAE’s vision of a more connected, tech-driven future. The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion, “Social Coins of Innovation”. The panel spotlighted thought leaders including Mona Ataya, Founder of Mumzworld; Sudhu Arumugam, Chief Product Officer of M2; and Rishabh Singh, Vice President of Products at Astra Tech. Attendees experienced the future of mobile technology, networked with key figures in the tech industry, and gained insights from influential speakers.

As HONOR continues to make significant strides in the UAE and beyond, the successful launch of HONOR Magic V3 reaffirms the brand’s dedication to creating transformative technology. By consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, HONOR remains at the forefront of technological advancement, delivering products that are not only innovative but also practical, versatile, and designed for the future. The strong reception at the event sets the stage for HONOR Magic V3 to become a landmark device, solidifying HONOR’s role as a global leader in smart devices.

Cool Stuff

Certified Collectibles Group Expands into Middle East

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2024

Chris Fernando

The Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), a company that authenticates and grades comic books, trading cards, coins, paper money and other collectibles, has announced its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This strategic move underscores CCG’s commitment to the region and its rapidly growing collectibles market.

To spearhead this exciting new chapter, CCG has appointed Arafaat Ali Khan as the Managing Director of its Middle East office. Ali Khan, a well-respected figure in the region’s pop culture and entertainment scene, is the co-founder of the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local market to CCG. Khan’s involvement in the pop culture industry has had a strong influence on the entertainment and collectibles communities in the Middle East.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Arafaat to our team,” said Max Spiegel, President of Certified Collectibles Group. “His impressive expertise and passion for collectibles will be invaluable as we establish our presence in the Middle East. This expansion is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and our commitment to providing a top-tier service to collectors and enthusiasts here.”

The new Dubai office will serve as a hub for CCG’s operations in the Middle East, offering high-quality grading services for a range of collectible items through their various services including Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), among others. This move marks the first time a leading international grading company of CCG’s calibre has set up operations in the region, reflecting the growing interest and investment in collectibles across the Middle East.

“As an avid collector myself, I am honoured to join CCG and lead the company’s efforts in the Middle East,” said Arafaat Ali Khan. “The region has a vibrant and enthusiastic collecting community, and I am excited to be part of another first at CCG by providing exceptional services and support to collectors and dealers here. This is an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success.”

Gadget Voize

Microsoft Releases new Windows 10 Preview

News

Microsoft Releases new Windows 10 Preview