Microsoft has released Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10565 to its army of testers on the Fast Ring. The firm was "really excited to get this one out," so got Gabe Aul to write a blog post highlighting all the new stuff that features in this test version of the operating system.
Skype integration
As indicated by the headline, Skype messaging, calling and video capabilities are integrated into the OS with this build. Messaging, Phone and Skype video universal Windows apps facilitate free calling and messaging to other Skypers / insiders. Furthermore Microsoft has implemented Quick Reply in the Action Centre, so that you can, erm… quickly reply to messages that pop up in the list of notifications, inline, without opening any app. These 'universal' apps will be coming to Windows 10 mobile in the future.
Other highlights of Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10565 are as follows:
- Tab Preview in Microsoft Edge as you hover your cursor over the tab
- Syncing Favourites and Reading list items in Microsoft Edge
- Cortana improvements. Now she can understand your inked notes – setting reminders based on scrawled locations, times and numbers. Cortana will now keep track of your bookings for movies and ticketed events through your email confirmations and you'll get an alert two hours before the start of the event. After the event she will give you the option to book and track an Uber ride home.
- Improved context menus on Start
- New icons
- Printing: a new mode that makes your default printer the last printer you used
- More vibrant title bars. This is good for me as with the indistinct title bars in the current scheme of things I often find myself trying to drag a window and failing to have clicked on the right hot area.
Microsoft has implemented some activation changes that means people can more directly take advantage of the current free upgrade offer. If you install this preview build and it doesn't auto-activate you can just input your Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 product key (on the same device).
A number of issues in the last insider preview have been fixed in this one, but as it's still a test build a number of known issues remain.
Threshold 2 to Redstone development
The above test build should give us a better idea about the upcoming 'Threshold 2' update to Windows 10, which is expected to be released next month. Meanwhile 'Redstone' has entered the development phase, according to WinBeta. "Redstone will be what Windows 8.1 was to Windows 8," says the Windows-centric news site. Redstone is expected to launch about a year after Windows 10 first became available.
