Top 10 Windows 10 Redstone 4 innovations

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The Spring Creators Update brings several notable innovations as well as many small improvements.

Windows 10 is getting a major update this spring called the 2018 Spring Creators Update. The new version of Windows is codenamed Redstone 4. Let's see how Microsoft will make us happy this time.

1. Timeline

Timeline is the familiar Task View of Windows 10, but with some extra features.

To display the timeline, just click on the corresponding icon on the taskbar or press Windows + Tab. You will see all the windows that you have opened in the last month, and you can return to any of them.

Timeline syncs with your Microsoft account. So you can take a laptop or tablet and continue working with the same files and sites that were opened on a stationary PC.

In the future, Microsoft plans to add task grouping and synchronization with Android and iOS to Timeline.

This feature was announced for Redstone 3 (October 2017), but its release was delayed until the next major update.

2. Sharing with nearby devices

Near Share is something like AirDrop in Apple devices. This function allows you to share any content (files, photos, links) with nearby devices via Bluetooth. To send something to another device, click Share with Nearby Devices in the Action Center on the taskbar. Or you can use the Share menu in any application.

At the same time, Microsoft intends to remove the HomeGroup feature from Windows 10. Users are expected to share files via Near Share or OneDrive.

3. Focus Assistant

Focus Assistant is an improved and redesigned Do Not Disturb mode. It turns on automatically when launching presentations, games, or other full-screen applications. It can also be activated at a time specified by the user.

Focus Assistant assigns specific priorities to different types of notifications. The user can receive important notifications even in full screen mode, and low-priority notifications will be disabled. After turning off the function, you can view a list of all missed notifications.

4. Diagnostic Data Viewer

Microsoft is concerned about user dissatisfaction with the telemetry being sent out. Therefore, the corporation intends to make telemetry data more understandable and transparent.

The Diagnostic Data Viewer is now available in System Settings. This tool will allow users to see exactly what information is being sent to Microsoft. In addition, here you can change the amount of telemetry sent.

5. Support for Progressive Web Apps in the Microsoft Store

Progressive Web Apps are web apps that can run offline in their own window and show notifications just like regular programs. They can be pinned to the taskbar.

Progressive Web Apps are downloaded through the Microsoft Store. Or you can install them via Edge.

6. Improved "People" function

The People feature, introduced in the last update, has been improved. You can now drag and drop your contacts to the taskbar.

You can place up to ten contacts in total. Hosted contacts can send you messages and animated emojis. In addition, Windows 10 will offer you to integrate with the People feature third-party applications that support it.

7. Downloading fonts from the Microsoft Store

With this Creators Update, Microsoft has once again prepared something for designers and web developers. The innovation is intended to make it easier to work with fonts.

They are now controlled through a new panel under "Parameters". Here you can also install new fonts from the Microsoft Store.

8. Improved handwriting input

Demoing some of the handwriting gestures? ✍️ #WindowsInsiders #WindowsInk

The handwriting input in Redstone 4 has also undergone some changes. New gestures and the ability to select the input font have been added. You can type text with one hand without lifting your finger from the touch keyboard. In addition, you will be able to write in most text fields, such as System Settings.

Even in the new version of Windows 10, the system will offer you suitable emoji when you enter certain words. For example, the words "unicorn" or "turtle" will display the corresponding emoticons.

9. Login without password

So far, this feature is only available for Windows 10 S, but later it is planned to be introduced in other editions of the system. With Windows Hello, you can unlock your computer without a password using your Android or iOS smartphone. To do this, you need to install the Microsoft Authenticator app.

10. Improved interface

Windows 10 has received many small improvements in its appearance. The concept behind Redstone 4's interface is called Fluent Design. It appeared in a previous update. The colors and fonts in the Start menu, Settings and Action Center have become more contrasting, the interface has added animations and transparency.

These are just the main innovations in Windows 10 Redstone 4. For a more complete list, visit the Microsoft website.