A new build of Windows 10 that integrates many of the consumer features, that we should hear about officially on 21st January, has been leaked onto the internet. The build version is 9901. The main new things you will see in this version of the upcoming OS are; the much more polished Cortana app, and the Xbox app which integrates the Xbox console ecosystem, reports The Verge.
Only a week ago we saw the first demonstration of how Cortana would work on a desktop system. WinBeta published an exclusive video putting the virtual personal assistant through her paces. Without the Microsoft server support being live for various queries and functions to work the app was functionally hobbled but still seemed to offer promise. However the UI in the demo was little more than a plain generic dialogue box. You can see more of how the more polished Cortana app will look in these new screenshots (above and below).
The second big new feature appears to be the Xbox app. In this app Xbox console owners will enjoy computer access to their achievements, friends lists, activity feeds, and the Store. This is a native modern Win10 app and it is thought that the design cues you see here will be present in other upcoming Windows 10 apps from Microsoft.
Other notable changes observed in this Windows 10 build 9901 leak concern Windows settings. The Verge reports that the settings button has moved from charms bar and the settings panel has been changed to look more like the traditional control panel. So perhaps there won't be two rival contmrol panels in the future. Furthermore it was also noted that the Microsoft Store has been subject to layout tweaks which are thought to have been implemented to make room for Xbox Music and Xbox Video offerings.
