Microsoft adds 3D Paint to latest Windows 10 Creators Update test build
Microsoft has added the 3D version of Microsoft Paint to the latest test build of the Windows 10 Creators Update (codename "Redstone 2").
With the Fast Ring Insider build that went to PC testers on November 17, Build 14971, Microsoft introduced a preview of 3D Paint app, codenamed "Beihai," as part of the operating system bundle. Microsoft showed off 3D Paint as a key component of its strategy to target "creators" with the next version of Windows 10, that's expected to be available to mainstream users around March 2017.
"The Paint 3D Preview app is now included as part of Windows 10," said Windows Insider chief Dona Sarkar in a blog post outlining what's new in test build 14971. The preview is currently available only in English.
With Build 14971, PowerShell also becomes the defacto commmand shell, replacing Command Prompt in File Explorer's File menu and in the Win + X Menu. Microsoft will still allow those who prefer to use Command Prompt to change settings to keep it as the default on their machines.
The ability to read EPUB books in Microsoft Edge is part of Build 14971, as is the second test release of the new "Get Office" app, which is meant to integrate Windows 10 and Office even more tightly together, and has been known as "Office Hub." The first version of Office Hub was in Windows 10 test build 14965.
"Whereas before Get Office was largely a collection of links to help you get started with Office, the new and improved app will help you explore and manage your Office experience. Easily discover and launch apps and see all your recent Office documents in one place! We still have the familiar help links, but we've redesigned the experience to make easier to find what you're looking for," said Sarkar in the aforementioned blog post.
There are a number of other fairly minor features and quite a few fixes in Build 14971, including ones for Edge, translation, notifications, and inking. As usual, there are also several known issues in this build -- in particular, ones that affect a number of apps like Store, Photos, People, and Microsoft Studios games.
An early version of the Windows Holographic First Run app is in this build. This is part of Microsoft's work to bring the Windows Holographic Shell to Windows 10 Creators Update. The First Run app won't be able to do much in this week's build.
There's nothing new for Windows 10 Mobile testers in Build 14971, though Microsoft did roll out to Slow Ring Windows 10 Mobile testers last week's Build 14965. Sarkar said that Microsoft is not planning to release any new test builds next week, as it is the week of US Thanksgiving.