Last week, we’ve reported that Microsoft is looking to turn Windows 10 into a sort of central hub that can compete with the likes of Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Today, Microsoft has rolled out the latest version of the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build. With Build 14986, Cortana has received some new features, many of which feels like something that can be found on a smart hub system.
The latest Preview Build for Windows 10 will now allow you to issue voice commands to Cortana. Users can now shutdown, restart, lock or sleep the system solely through Cortana. If your computer is currently unlocked and idle, Microsoft has made it so that using “Hey Cortana” would cause it to occupy the entire screen. This feature is useful for those who are currently away from the screen at the moment but wish to look up some information at that very moment.
Microsoft has also taken a page out of Amazon’s book as Cortana can now assist in music playback. Available only on EN-US versions of the Preview Build, you can now use Cortana to play music on online radio stations like iHeartRadio and TuneIn Radio. In addition to that, you can now ask Cortana for information about the song that is currently playing. Just say “Hey Cortana, what song is playing?” and the A.I. will immediately dig up information about the song. This feature is available for all music applications.
Cortana improvements aside, Build 14986 brings with it improved full-screen support for Windows Game Bar for 19 additional games. Windows Ink has also been updated, allowing you to resume your previous screen sketches as well as an updated Ink Flyout Visals and finer control over ruler rotation.
If you’re part of the Windows Insiders’ Fast Ring, Build 14986 is now available for download. The features available in this Preview Build and more will be coming to the Windows 10 Creators Update.
Source: Microsoft