On Thursday, Microsoft announced that it had started rolling out the first major update to Windows 10. The update, which Microsoft calls version 1511, 10586, was code named Threshold 2. The latest update brings improvements in all aspects of the OS, including user experience. It also brings management and security tools for enterprises. The Redmond-based software giant claims that boot time is now 30% faster than Windows 7 on the same device.
Cortana now available in more countries
The update improves the speed and security of the Edge browser in Windows 10. Now users can hover over a tab to get a preview of what’s on the underlying page without leaving the page they are on. Microsoft said Windows 10 has now also arrived on the Xbox One video game console. The OS will be rolled out to existing Windows Phone devices next month.
The update brings digital assistant Cortana to Windows 10 users in Canada, Australia, Japan and India with experiences and features customized for each market. In September, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had an embarrassing moment when Cortana failed to understand him again and again in front of a huge audience, and presented irrelevant results.
An enterprise-focused Windows 10 update
With improved Cortana, users will be able to scribble a note on Cortana Notebook using their device’s pen, and the digital assistant will recognize handwritten notes. It can also keep track of your movie bookings and events, sending you reminders to let you know where to go and how to get there. Cortana can also book and track an Uber, but this feature is available to Windows 10 users in the United States only, at least for now.
The Windows 10 update allows IT staffers to control how and when updates will be deployed within their organizations. A new Windows Store for Business lets enterprises choose which apps their employees will be able to download. To strengthen security, Windows 10’s Device Guard prevent intruders from spreading malware. It also includes Windows Hello, which lets users of capable devices use fingerprint or facial recognition for authentication, instead of traditional passwords.
