Windows 10 is almost a year old, and Microsoft is readying a new Anniversary Update to roll out some new features for the operating system. CEO Satya Nadella’s focus on productivity continues with the announcement, especially with the new Windows Ink app and getting Universal Windows apps on to the Xbox One.
Windows Ink seems to be the big announcement with a large portion of the announcement being dedicated to showing how it works. It looks like Microsoft has aimed the app at mobile users more than anything, although it does look very useful to have for those who are used to simply using a pen and paper.
Microsoft is also expanding the application of Windows Hello and its biometric security measures. The Microsoft Edge browser will now support Windows Hello login for participating websites, which includes some financial institutions. Developers will also receive an additional API that will allow them to bake the additional security feature into their own Windows apps.
Cortana is also getting some new features. Microsoft didn’t go into detail about what these might be, but contextual integration with Windows Ink was demonstrated on stage. It also looks like users will soon be able to verbally tell Cortana to shut down their computers.
Finally, Universal Windows apps are making their way to the Xbox One – including Cortana. This includes a unified Windows store, with more details to come at Microsoft’s keynote at E3.
