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Microsoft publishes video to show off built-in Windows 10 apps

by Mark Tyson on 28 July 2015, 10:04

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Windows 10

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While we teeter upon the launch threshold for Windows 10, Microsoft's infomercial machine is shifting up a gear, readying itself to #UpgradeYourWorld. Microsoft introduced the Windows Store back with Windows 8 but it is pretty safe to say it was rather a damp squib, especially for desktop users. With Windows 10 it is seeking to get us to use more of its Modern UI apps and to download/buy more from its built-in store.

In the video above we are asked to take a peek at the latest built-in apps like Photos, Maps, Music, and Movies & TV on Windows 10. Microsoft says that "this family of apps shares an elegant look and feel that works consistently across your PCs, tablets and phones, conveniently synced with OneDrive so you can do your thing anywhere." In a blog post accompanying the video above Microsoft talks through the built-in apps and how they will be useful to users who adopt Windows 10.

Photos helps you organise and enhance your photo collection while integrating OneDrive backup. It makes organising, showcasing, enhancing and sharing photos easy. The new Maps app has replaced both HERE and Bing Maps and implemented a new design with improved search facilities. Locations can be pinned to the Start menu and if you have other Windows devices your favourites will sync across them all. Sharing locations is easy and Maps functionality includes turn-by-turn navigation (offline too), up-to-the-minute traffic information, rich local search results, and robust public transportation options.

For entertainment Microsoft hopes you'll make use of its Groove and Movies & TV apps. Groove is Microsoft's new music app which you can use to "listen to your favourite songs and artists, make your own playlists, and keep up with all the latest hits". Like with rival services Microsoft hopes you will sign up and subscribe for extra features such as streaming "ad-free access to millions of tracks". The Movies & TV app lets you import your own content and browse the Windows Store for movies and TV to rent or buy.

Last but not least Microsoft details how the built-in Mail and Calendar apps have become more powerful and useful than ever. Mail now has the powerful authoring capabilities of Microsoft Word built-in. So you can easily insert tables, add pictures, use bullets and colour to get your points across, just as you would in Word. A new navigation bar and touch gestures help you get through your mail quickly, whatever platform you are on. The Calendar app allows multiple calendars to be managed with various views to help you keep on top of events.

Windows 10 is 'familiar yet fresh'

This video is hosted by Microsoft's Principal Group Program Manager, Mohammed Samji. He succinctly talks us through many of the new features of Windows 10 that users will be greeted with, upon new and upgraded Windows 10 PCs, from day one.



HEXUS Forums :: 38 Comments

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Meanwhile in Windows7 users get warnings for exploits of using gadgets such as calendar onj the desktop…
Didn't really show off anything. Or even show anything. I learnt precisely nothing from that video. :/
I must say, that has to be the worst advertising I have yet to see for a Windows release
Silmaril.SE;3506660
Didn't really show off anything. Or even show anything. I learnt precisely nothing from that video. :/
Well, I don't know about that.

This might be the clearest hint yet of what MS meant by “changing how we monetise” Windows. for example, the article references to paid subscriptions for “ad-free streaming”.

Personally, the issue of whether I “upgrade” (though I remain unconvinced it actually is an upgrade because it looks more like a large sidegrade) at all is still in the balance but my desire, or lack thereof, for an MS Account isn't in the balance at all. I do NOT want to give them ANY personal information at all, nor any sort of mandate to use it. So the chances of me buying either apps in their store or any of their enhanced services is precisely zip.

All I really want from a PC is what I've wanted from it for the last 15 or 20 years, which is running MY choice of software, and what I want from an OS is the same. For me, upgrading to Win10 is increasingly looking like buying a plane ticket to Jamaica only to board, and be told the airline thinks Uzbekistan looks nice, so they're going there, instead. Well, nice or not I neither know nor care, I just want to go to Jamaica.
I still can't read any email with the Windows 10 built-in email app…