Microsoft is spicing things up with its Windows 10 previews, as the company just released build 10061 with a number of neat treats in the mix.
The latest Technical Preview is now taking things to the next level, bringing several notable improvements to the Mail and Calendar app, the Continuum experience, Virtual Desktops, and more.
"Today we are releasing a new Technical Preview build for PCs - 10061. This build will be available to the Fast ring, and will be delivered via Windows Update. You can wait for your PCs normal installation time for Windows Updates and it will install automatically, or you can go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Updates and click the "Check for updates" button," Microsoft explained in a new announcement on the official Windows Blog.
"If you're in the Slow ring, we made the decision not to push 10049 out to you because of the bug with long upgrade times caused by installing all Language Packs. We'll evaluate how 10061 goes in the Fast ring before deciding whether to push it out to Slow as well. The Language Pack issue is a good example of our approach to the Fast/Slow rings for the Windows Insider Program, and why we have two rings."
"For Fast ring Insiders who installed 10049, we recommend that you follow these steps to reclaim storage space from the extra Language Pack installs."
As previously mentioned, the latest build of Windows 10 is packed with several neat goodies, so here are the most exciting new features it will bring to the table:
New Mail and Calendar apps
The new Windows 10 Mail and Calendar apps aim to enhance performance and deliver a familiar three-pane email user interface, complete with a useful toggle that allows users to easily move between their email and calendar. Email improvements include customizable Swipe Gestures, allowing users to swipe left or right for actions such as delete, flag, move, or mark read/unread. Users will choose what action to take when swiping left or right. Moreover, Microsoft has also integrated Word capabilities to email, allowing users to easily insert tables, add pictures, use bullets, or add color to their text.
The new Mail and Calendar apps both support Microsoft Office 365, Exchange, Outlook.com, Gmail, IMAP, POP, as well as other accounts.
Improvements to the Start menu, Taskbar, and Action Center
The latest Technical Preview of Windows 10 introduces a neat new "black system theme" across the Start menu, Taskbar, and Action Center. Users will also be able to resize the Start menu, while AutoColor support will pull the primary color from the user's desktop background.
Moreover, users will also be able to adjust the color and transparency of the Start menu, Taskbar, and Action center. Microsoft has also taken user feedback into account and moved the power button to the more familiar bottom left location, instead of the top right of the start menu.
Continuum
When it comes to Continuum improvements, the Taskbar is now more optimized for a tablet experience. When in Tablet Mode, the Start button, along with Cortana and the Task View buttons, will all grow in size and space out so users can touch them more easily. Items in the Notification area will also become wider in order to be more touchable. To further simplify the experience and reduce clutter, pinned and running apps will be removed by default, while Start and Task View will remain visible for launching and switching. Users will be able to turn apps on their taskbar back on by going into Tablet Mode > Settings. Lastly, tablets under 10 inches will boot directly into Tablet Mode by default, while others will have a setting to offer this option.
Task View enhancements
Microsoft has also updated its Task View with some visual improvements, such as refined window icons, close buttons, and thumbnails. According to the company, Alt+Tab and Snap Assist get these improvements as well, while Task View also gets a new icon on the Taskbar.
Virtual Desktop
With the latest Windows 10 Technical Preview, users will be able to create as many Virtual Desktops as they like, enjoying a "new overflow experience" when they reach the limit of their display.
Bottom line
Microsoft has also fixed some known issues with the previous build, but at the same time some new issues arise with the latest version. For more details regarding issues fixed and new, check out Microsoft's announcement on the Windows blog.
