Windows 10 is developed as a service, and regularly receives patches and bug fixes. It also gets feature updates at least twice a year, and 2018 is no different. This October, Microsoft unveiled the October 2018 update, also known as Redstone 5, which comes with some amazing new features.

Your Phone
Windows 10 is getting a built-in app called “Your Phone” that makes it easier to integrate your phone’s features with your PC. For instance, it will let you send texts and instantly access photos from your phone’s library on your computer.

There’s also talk about syncing notifications between devices in future updates. Currently, the iPhone has limited compatibility with this app, but Microsoft promises additional features will be added later.

Clipboard History
The Clipboard app has been revamped and now allows you to access a list of items you’ve copied to your clipboard, pin frequently used images, and sync your clipboard across your devices. All you have to do is hit Windows key + V to pull up your clipboard history and copy-paste items without having to constantly switch between windows.

SwiftKey
Windows touchscreen devices like the Surface Pro will come with SwiftKey functionality, which lets you type by swiping your finger from letter to letter rather than tapping each one. According to Microsoft, this feature produces accurate autocorrections and makes typing faster once you get used to it.

Dark Mode
All Microsoft apps will now support Dark Mode, which can be enabled by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors. This improvement may seem small compared to other features in this list, but Dark Mode reduces eye fatigue and saves battery life.

Cortana Search
When you use Cortana’s search functions, she’ll now provide previews to give you more information. For instance, if you use Cortana to search the web, Bing search results will be displayed on your Start menu. Or, if you search for an application, Cortana will show you its download page.

Windows Security
Windows Security will replace the Windows Defender Security Center program and add even more safeguards for your devices. It will have a “Block Suspicious Behaviors” setting that detects and prevents app and file activities that can leave you open to attacks.

What’s more, Windows Security keeps track of all the antivirus software, firewalls, and other security measures on your device, so you can see threat reports and manage your device’s cybersecurity in one place.

Predictive Updates
If you’re tired of Windows 10 restarting your computer at the worst times, you’ll love the new predictive updates feature. This function uses machine learning to study your computer habits and predict the best time to restart and update your PC.

These are only a few of the features that Windows 10 has in store for users. Microsoft will likely release dozens more in future updates, so tune into our blog to learn about the latest Windows developments.

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According to a Microsoft tipster, a proposed new feature in Windows 10 will allow users to navigate the system with the help of its virtual assistant (VA), Cortana. ‘Follow Me’ is an enhancement that will make navigating the operating system much easier, which will be particularly useful to those who find it a bit challenging.

Possible new Cortana features

Cortana can perform several tasks, including answering basic questions, sending reminders, and adjusting your music player’s volume. With the introduction of ‘Follow Me,’ it will provide an audiovisual-guided navigation within your Windows computer.

Currently, Cortana is capable of providing voice prompts when providing search results. Based on this short video clip, the improved version will perform more complicated tasks such as providing users with visual prompts for pairing a Bluetooth device with their PC.

The new feature looks easy to activate and deactivate, too. To quit, users can simply press the escape key.

Follow Me for businesses

Many business users haven’t fully embraced VA technology. In fact, those who work in corporate environments don’t find them particularly useful, as they’re often seen as an unnecessary add-on that doesn’t do much beyond performing voice-prompted searches, taking notes, placing or answering Skype calls, and doing other negligible tasks.

However, VAs are becoming standard features in modern operating systems, which means they’re likely to see substantial improvements in the future.

Moreover, assistants like Cortana are useful to some business users that require quick assistance in finding information on their computers. And although they perform mostly small tasks, they also help speed up things like calculating and setting schedules.

What’s in store for the MS assistant

In early 2017, Microsoft demonstrated that Cortana was capable of performing complex tasks when it introduced the ability for users to set up their PCs with the help of its digital assistant. When “Follow Me’ is launched, it will be a logical next step to this recently introduced functionality.

Since the Fall Creators Update was recently launched, ‘Follow Me’ will likely be featured in upcoming Windows 10 updates. As of now, Microsoft tipsters continue to speculate about the digital assistant’s new capabilities as they wait for an official announcement from the software company.

If you wish to explore time-saving and productivity-enhancing tools for your company’s Windows computers, contact us today.

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Windows 10 stands tall as Microsoft’s best operating system release to date, hands down. But having undergone serious revamping, the OS is ready to rock and scroll. Boasting a myriad of new features, the updated Windows 10 is both efficient and effortless — fully capable of redefining your computing experience for good. Become a Windows 10 power user in no time with these seven tips:

Master virtual desktops

Virtual desktops allow for better utilization of screen space. You can span your applications and windows across multiple “virtual” desktops. Create one by clicking on the “Task View” icon (located at the right of the Cortana bar) on the taskbar, then click “+ New Desktop” in the lower right corner and add as many desktops as you wish. To move an application to a new desktop, merely drag it into the virtual desktop on the bottom.

Next-level screenshotting

The original screenshotting methods on Windows include Windows + Prt Scn, which captures the screen and saves it into the Screenshots folder; and Alt + Prt Scn, which captures the screen and copies it to your clipboard.

Introducing the new built-in Snipping Tool. On top of capturing a full screen screenshot, other capturing options range from a free-form rectangle to a specific aspect ratio or even an entire window as well. You can also set the capture to delay a screenshot by a set interval — this comes in handy when you want to screenshot a YouTube video minus the playback controls.

Shake and minimize

For users who aren’t aware of this trick, you can grab a window by its bar and literally shake your mouse. This causes all the other windows to automatically minimize.

Professional Windows snapping

Snapping windows to certain parts of the screen is ideal for multitasking. You can now organize and monitor different applications more seamlessly. Make the most of your screen space with the following tips:

Drag a window to the right or left to split it in half.
Drag a window to a corner to reduce it to a fourth of its size.
Drag a window to the top to maximize its size.

Record your screen with the Xbox app

After launching the Xbox app, go to the app you wish to record and press Windows + G. You’ll be prompted with a window that asks: “Do you want to open the Game bar?” Click on the “Yes, this is a game” box and let the recording begin!

Talk to Cortana like a person

Aside from typing your requests, you can also use natural language to ask Cortana to locate your vacation photos, or provide directions to your friend’s house. No date needed, just specific words and she’s all set. Cortana is also synced with your calendar, so if you’re ever unsure when your meetings are, Cortana will gladly double-check.

Automatic Battery Saver mode

When activating battery saver in Windows 10, you can limit your portable devices’ background activity and push notifications to prolong battery life. Battery saver also kicks in automatically once your battery life is lower than 20%. To customize your own power threshold as well as which applications you allow to run in the background, go to Settings > System > Battery saver — voilà!

Make the most of Windows 10 with these tips and upgrade your user status from regular to power. Regardless of what you’re using it for — arranging your meetings or planning your vacation — make each computing experience a memorable one. Want to hear more of the latest Windows 10 news and updates? Contact us today.

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