Microsoft details upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Microsoft announced the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update on day 2 of the Build 2017 developer conference in Seattle. Arriving later this year, the update brings with it many changes and new features.

One of the major features of this update is the introduction of the Microsoft Fluent Design System. This is Microsoft's new design language, intended to deliver an "intuitive, harmonious, responsive and inclusive cross-device experiences and interactions". It uses light, depth, motion, and material choices to create a whole new style of UI that's modern yet familiar. It's also designed from the grounds up to be scalable to 3D environments and to be touch-controlled. We will be seeing Fluent apps in this update and developers are being asked to get on board.

The other major feature is Microsoft Graph, which will connect Windows with iOS and Android devices to create a connected experience across Microsoft services across all three platforms. This way, when you move from one device to another you will be able to continue your task without interruptions. It uses technologies such as Timeline, which visually displays what a user was doing previously, allowing them to easily hop back into files, apps and websites as if it was real time. Cortana lets you pick up where you left off across all three platforms. Clipboard syncs your clipboard content across devices over the cloud, allowing you to copy on one device and paste on another. OneDrive Files on Demand lets you access all the files in the cloud without having to download them first.

Microsoft also announced Story Remix, an application for creating videos with photos, video clips, and even 3D objects. It uses AI and deep learning to make videos out of your images and video clips or you can make them manually like in iMovie.

The Creators Update will also include Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft's VR platform. Developers will be able to use this to create VR content for consumers. Microsoft will be selling dev kits to Acer ($299) and HP ($329) in the US and Canada. They can be pre-ordered today and will be shipping this summer. Microsoft also announced its own set of motion controllers that works with the sensors built-in and within the headset, so you don't need to install cameras around your room like in HTC Vive. Acer will sell a bundle with the dev kit and the controllers for $399 this holiday season.

Source