Highlights of Microsoft’s new operating system
In the wake of the unpopular Windows 8, Microsoft exercised more caution with Windows 10. The new operating system arriving Wednesday restores items lacking in Windows 8, such as the Start menu, while providing welcome updates. Here are some highlights:
Edge Edge is a much-needed upgrade to the Internet Explorer browser, an alternative to Firefox, Chrome and others. New features include an ad-less “reading view” and the ability to draw notes on websites and then quickly share a screenshot. On the downside, Internet Explorer isn’t dead; many apps work only with the slow, unruly and unsightly old option.
Cortana Cortana is Microsoft’s “virtual personal assistant.” Highlight a word on a Web page in Edge and Cortana loads definitions, details and explanations. Like Apple’s Siri, Cortana understands naturally spoken commands. It answers questions, searches for files and heeds orders, such as “turn off Wi-Fi.” Cortana draws data from users’ calendars and habits to show weather and other personalized information.
‘Multi-doing’ With Windows 10, users can view up to four apps at once on a single screen. Called “multi-doing,” it’s a multitasker’s dream. After dragging and snapping a program to a corner of the screen, Windows now suggests other recently used applications to snap side by side. The feature also works well across multiple monitors and multiple virtual desktops.
Xbox connectivity Have an Xbox One in the house? With a Windows 10 computer, gamers can play from any room in the house by streaming off the Xbox. Players can record and share clips from gameplay as they normally would. There are also chat and activity feed features, just like on Xbox. No word from Microsoft on parental controls for the Xbox streaming.
Speed Early reviews cut immediately to one topic: Windows 10 loads fast. Updates should be more frequent and take less time to install too. New security features should also make for a snappier experience. Assuming the hardware is capable, facial or fingertip scans can replace passwords. A feature called Passport will let users unlock once and access many services without scanning again.