On March 30, Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 (build 10049) to the public. The new build does not include major changes, but it includes an early version of Project Spartan web browser, a feature many Windows Insiders were looking forward to test. Today, is another day, and Microsoft is now also releasing two new Windows apps: Music Preview and Video Preview.
As their names imply, these two new preview apps are under construction and they aim to replace their equivalent Video and Music apps in Windows 8.1.
Those users who have been using the Video and Music apps in Windows 8.1 will feel immediately familiar with the new version. However, Microsoft is also introducing a new look in these new Windows apps, which match the design that the company is trying to implement with Photos, Alarms & Clock, Calculator, Xbox, and other apps.
The major change you’ll notice in these apps is that users can now easily access the settings from inside the app, instead of going through the confusing fly-out menu found in Windows 8.1.
Both entertainment apps are in the early stages, as such features and functionalities are limited, below you’ll find what’s new, what’s not working, and what’s coming for the two apps in coming updates:
Music app
The Music Preview: you can click the gear button in the bottom-left corner of the apps to add file locations, delete playlists, and configure various other settings.
Also you can browse and play your music collection on your device, from OneDrive, or music added with your Xbox Music Pass. You can make playlists and use your Xbox Music Pass.
Here is a list of known issues and workarounds for the Music app:
- After heavy use you may see galleries disappear and show a blank white page. Restarting the app will solve the issue.
- Playback of Music Pass content may fail with error 0x8004c029. If it does, here is how to fix it.
- There are no playback controls on hover when the app appears in the taskbar.
Video app
The Video Preview can get you access straight to the Store (Beta), you can change account settings, and choose a default video location.
Additionally, you can browse and play video files, including MKV file format videos. And you can browse and play movies and TV shows that you have purchased.
Here is a list of known issues and workarounds for the Video app:
- Movies and TV shows downloaded in other versions of the app cannot be played in this preview app. They can only be streamed. This preview app only supports streaming at this time.
- Playback of purchased content may take several seconds to begin.
- Adding or removing folders from your video library can hang the app. Instead, use File Explorer to manage your video library.
- Playback of movies and TV may fail with error 0x8004c029. If it does, here is how to fix it.
- Expired rentals incorrectly show a play button. Playing expired content will result in a playback error.
Expect these Windows apps to continue to evolve and also new features and enhancements in the process. According to Microsoft the following features are coming to the apps:
Music Preview
- Browse and buy music in the Windows Store Beta
- Right-click context menus
- Better back button for easier app navigation
- Dark color theme
- Compact mode
- Settings improvements
- Improved support for accessibility
Video Preview
- Discover new content in the Windows Store Beta
- Download movies and TV for offline play
- New device management so you can play your downloads offline more reliably on the devices you care about
- Improved search results
- Movie reviews and cast information
- Settings improvements
These apps aren’t bundled with Windows 10, so you’ll need to download them yourself from the Store (simply use the links below).
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].