Microsoft reveals more about what's coming in Windows 10 Creators Update
Windows 10 "Redstone 2," as of today officially designated as the "Windows 10 Creators Update," will include a number of features aimed at users who've traditionally been part of Apple's core designer/creator customer base.
Microsoft officials shed more light at the company's October event in New York on October 26 about what to expect in the next major update for Windows 10.
Microsoft officials -- so far anyway -- aren't referring to the Creators Update as the March update, even though sources and leaks have pointed to Microsoft's planned ship target for Redstone 2 as March 2017.
At today's event, Microsoft also played up the ability of Windows 10 to handle 3D and mixed reality scenarios. As rumored recently, Microsoft showed off its 3D version of Paint, codenamed "Beihai," to demonstrate how creatives will be able to work with 3D objects and export and print those objects. All the 2D pens and pencils that work with Windows 10 will be able to work with 3D objects, Microsoft officials said.
Microsoft plans to integrate 3D into all its most popular applications in the coming year, officials said, showing off an early preview of how 3D would look in PowerPoint.
Microsoft Edge in HoloLens will be integrated into the evolving Windows 3D environment, as well. Company officials also said to expect HP, Dell, ASUS and Acer to introduce virtual reality headsets in the coming months that will make use of Windows 10 Creators Update, and will start as low in some cases as $299.
The Creators Update also will include new Windows shell technologies that will allow users to communicate and share files with other people more easily. Users will be able to drag and drop their contacts and files on the desktop in new ways. Microsoft also plans to streamline communications across different messaging systems (Mail, Skype, SMS Relay, Xbox Live and Skype for Business), as well, so that important messages with users' most important contacts are surfaced across devices.
"We want everyone to be a 3D creator," said Microsoft Executive Vice President of Windows and Devices Terry Myerson.