New Windows 10 preview
Oh, and it includes a Ubuntu update, too. (It’s still weird writing that). Brad Chacos reports
The relentless march of Windows 10 Insider previews continues with the release of build 14951 for PCs and Windows Phones. This latest glimpse at the future of the operating system reveals several interesting tweaks, including a Microsoftian rival to the iPhone’s Live Photos.
If you install Windows Insider build 14951 on a Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro 3 or Surface 3, its revamped Camera app can “extend your still captures with a snippet of video,” writes Windows Insider boss Dona Sarkar. After you’ve enabled ‘Capture living images’ in the Camera app’s settings, the feature kicks in automatically whenever the subject of your picture’s moving when you click the Capture button.
Speaking of which, those capture buttons receive a higher-contrast makeover in this preview build, and you can dive into Camera’s settings directly from inside the app. (Camera interface tweaks abound in this build.) You’ll also be able to set a timer from the Camera dashboard and use the spacebar to capture images on PCs.
Windows Insider build 14951 also adds new Windows Ink improvements for manipulating those images after they’re taken. Windows 10’s native Photos app picked up Ink support via a new Draw button, and it records your scribbling steps so you can share your marked-up pictures as videos if you’d like.
The build also introduces Windows Ink ‘Stencils’, starting with a new protractor tool (pictured) that, according to Sarkar, “combines functions of both protractor and compass into one – now you can draw an arc or a complete circle of an arbitrary size with little effort”. Windows Ink’s ruler now displays the numerical value of angles, as well.
The recent Windows 10 preview build introduced advanced customisation for precision touchpad gestures, and this fresh release builds upon them with volume control options and the ability to tie touchpad gestures to the keyboard shortcuts of your choosing.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux has been updated from Ubuntu 14.04 to Ubuntu 16.04, as well. For a full list of tweaks, improvements, and known issues in Windows 10 Insider build 14951 – these releases always pack in a lot – make sure you read Microsoft’s announcement post at tinyurl.com/zr8mpk3.
After you’ve enabled ‘Capture living images’ in the Camera app’s settings, the feature kicks in whenever the subject of your picture’s moving when you click the Capture button