On January 21, Microsoft will hold a press event in Redmond Washington to unveil the consumer features of Windows 10 and we are expecting to hear about the next version of the operating system for smartphones too. The company will also live stream the event through a special web portal for anyone who wants to participate.
While the Technical Preview was focus on enterprises features to show companies that Windows still an operating system they can count on with features like the new Start menu, modern apps behaving like regular desktop apps, and a bunch of new features that make the operating system a bit less confusing and more productive. The consumer preview, which is expected to release shortly after the event, will focus on consumers with new interesting features. Below there is a list of features and changes we may see in the Windows 10 January preview build (FBL_AWESOME).
Kernel
- Windows 10 for consumers will include the new updated Kernel version 10.0
Desktop
- Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant, will appear on the taskbar
- A new updated taskbar with darker theme
- We’ll see new animations for maximizing and restoring Windows
- New desktop context menu will appear much like the one you see on the Start screen and also adapt to touch-enabled devices
- The search bar now will appear by default on the taskbar
Media support
- Support for FLAC audio playback
UI changes
- No more Settings Charm
- Settings menu now appear within the app
- Title bar now has full screen option and the bar has an updated look
- Improved Action Center
- On-screen media playback controls for desktop apps and not just for modern apps
- Updated and better-organized PC settings with features like Battery saver, Storage Sense, close captioning,
- Ability to install apps and games on an SD card
- New backup option on Update & Recovery
- Improvement for retina displays
Apps
- New Xbox app
- New Get started app
- New Calculator app
- New Photos app
- New Store Beta app
- New Sound recorder app
- New Lumia Camera Beta
- New Alarms app
- New Contact Support app
- Updated Maps
- Updated Windows Feedback app
SEE ALSO: First look: early build of Windows 10 consumer preview features many changes (video)
Although, we’ve have been getting a few details about the Spartan web browser, it’s unclear if a preview version of the Internet Explorer replacement will come included in the next consumer preview of Windows 10.
The list above is based on information available today, Microsoft may show more about the consumer features during the press event next week, where we may even see more features and changes coming to the operating system.
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].