To celebrate Windows 10’s first birthday, Microsoft has released an anniversary update to the software. If you’re already running with Windows 10, the update is free and features a number of upgrades to Microsoft’s PC software, including selfie login for websites and apps, and an unlocked Cortana. It also fixes a number of bugs and takes account of some of the problems users encountered with the original Windows 10.
There are a variety of new features to explore, but below are some of the best new features of the anniversary update:
Windows Ink
Windows Ink has a new sketchpad app which includes an onscreen ruler. The Windows 10 anniversary update includes a hub for a range of apps that support ink, including Sticky Notes, Sketchpad and a Screen Sketch which is Snapchat-style app that allows you to hand write or draw on a screenshot. Ink also works with Maps, Microsoft Edge and Office.
Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant has received an update to work with Ink and can now understand things that you hand write on a sticky note and add them to your calendar for you. For example, if you wrote “Call Bob tomorrow”, Cortana will highlight the word “tomorrow”, which you can then tap and add to your calendar with ease. (more about the updates to Cortana below)
Cortana
A new, improved Cortana now has the added ability to allow you to call for it to help without you having to log in to your device first. For example, if you’re on the opposite side of the room to your computer or have your hands tied talking on the phone, you can ask Cortana for help without having to move and unlock the screen. Simply call out “Hey Cortana” and the assistant will light up without you needing to log in, following which you can ask it to assist you with whatever you require.
Cortana enjoys improved functionality in Windows 10 as well, speaking more languages, including Spanish, Portuguese and French, in addition to the eleven it could previously understand. To keep you super organised, Cortana can now scan your email and calendar to prompt you if you need to do something or organise meetings for you, as well as send text message reminders to Android and iOS devices. Cortana will prompt you throughout the day with questions such as “What time would you like your alarm”, offering to buy you lunch or send information for you. It can also remember things that aren’t time related, such as “Remember that I parked my car on High Street”.
The new “Cortana Collection” in the Windows Store also makes it easy to search for apps that work with the intelligent assistant.
New login methods
The updated Windows 10 gives you the freedom to do away with password login. Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric login, allows you to sign into your computer with a selfie or fingerprint scan. Biometric login is also supported in some websites on the Edge browser and some apps which means no more typing out endless passwords when you want to check your social media accounts and bank balance while doing some online shopping.
Screen mirroring
Using the added functionality of screen mirroring you can readily mirror the contents of your screen on a phone, tablet or other computer to a PC running Windows 10 using the “Project to PC” feature.
Dark theme
The new update comes with a display option to use your PC in a dark mode, which features a black background with white text.
Extended Edge capabilities
In order to encourage more people to use its new web browser, Microsoft has opened support for extensions and improved the tabs. They are also working on a range of add-ons, and those already available include LastPass, 1Password and EverNote. The latest update also means Edge syncs with the cloud, works with Cortana and with Hello.
There are some other minor but significant new features in the Edge browser too, with Edge now being 70 per cent more battery efficient than its competitors. The browser is now more intuitive, including the option of right clicking the back button to see the history of pages visited on it and the option of “paste and go” or “paste and search” for copied text. There is also now an option to clear all browsing data every time you close Edge.
Notifications on multiple devices
The updated Windows 10 now has the ability to receive notifications from Windows, Android and iOS devices straight to your PC.
Improved functionality for tablets
A new improved Start menu combines the tiles from Windows 8 with the original Windows Start bar. This offers much improved usability on a tablet, and also means that you don’t need to go an extra step to see all of your available apps on pc.
Des Nnorchiri
Des Nnochiri has a Master’s Degree (MEng) in Civil Engineering with Architecture, and spent several years at the Architectural Association, in London. He views technology with a designer’s eye, and is very keen on software and solutions which put a new wrinkle on established ideas and practices. He now writes for markITwrite across the full spectrum of corporate tech and design. In previous lives, he has served as a Web designer, and an IT consultant to The Learning Paper, a UK-based charity extending educational resources to underprivileged youngsters in West Africa. A film buff and crime fiction aficionado, Des moonlights as a novelist and screenwriter. His short thriller, “Trick” was filmed in 2011 by Shooting Incident Productions, who do location work on “Emmerdale”.