Microsoft Build 2017: day two biggest announcements

Here’s what you missed on day 2 at Microsoft Build 2017 developer conference.

MIcrosoft Terry Myerson at Build 2017

Microsoft’s Build 2017 developer conference day two came and went, and unlike day one, which was business oriented, day two focused on a lot of new technologies for consumers. During the second day of Build, the company announced its next version of Windows 10, improvements on Mixed Reality and a new storytelling app, new apps coming to the Store, and a lot more.

If you didn’t attend Microsoft Build 2017 conference, or you didn’t catch the live stream keynote, here you can check out the biggest announcements.

Microsoft Build 2017: day two announcements

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

The software unveiled that the next feature update of Windows, previously known with the Redstone 3 codename, will be officially known as the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

The new version is a follow up to the Creators Update, but it includes a slew of great new features meant to bring new experiences and expand to its functionalities to iOS and Android devices.

Microsoft Fluent Design System

Formerly known as Project Neon, on day two of the developer conference, Microsoft announced Fluent Design System, a new design language for Windows 10 and apps, and it’ll bring new translucent, blur, and animation effects that will deliver intuitive, harmonious, responsive and inclusive cross-device experiences and interactions.

Microsoft Fluent Design System has five different fundamental elements, including light, depth, motion, material, and scale, which will be implemented to offer a prettier and engaging experience with the OS and apps.

Story Remix app

Story Remix is a new app built on .NET and available through Windows Store. This app will allow you to create new memories using your photos and videos.

Story Remix will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to also create videos automatically with relevant content from your collections. Additionally, you’ll be able to combine Story Remix projects with Paint 3D and Remix 3D projects.

iTunes on the Window Store

While it might not seem that way, this is a huge announcement. Apple’s iTunes will be coming soon to the Windows Store, and it’s the first app from another giant that will appear in the Store.

However, Apple won’t be redesigning the iTunes app, instead they’ll be using Microsoft’s desktop bridge solution to convert the desktop app into a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app.

Users will get the full experience, including Apple Music and access to the iTunes Store, as well as support for iPhone and other Apple devices.

Timeline

Timeline is a new feature that Microsoft demonstrated during day two of Build 2017, and it’ll allow you to view a list of tasks with the ability to pick up where you left off whether you started the task on your computer or another device.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features

OneDrive File on Demand

In other words, OneDrive placeholders will be coming back to Windows 10. However, the version of this feature not only allows you to browser content you have stored on OneDrive without downloading anything, but also intelligently the service will figure out automatically which files you need and make them available offline.

Linux on Windows

In the Anniversary Update, Windows 10 introduce native support for Bash on Ubuntu, now with the Fall Creators Update, you’ll be able to run SUSE Linux and Fedora Linux as well on the Windows Subsystem, and the best part is they’ll be available in the Windows Store.

Windows Mixed Reality motion control

On day two, Microsoft also revealed motion control for Windows Mixed Reality. The new controllers will offer precise and responsive tracking of movements with the need of having to install hardware around the wall, because the sensors are built into the motion controllers.

Wrapping things up

Although there is still one day left in the developer conference, on day two, Microsoft has already unveiled all the big announcements, as such nothing significant is expected on day three.

About the author

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.