After six months of testing within the Windows Insider program, Microsoft is finally making the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update available for the masses.
The update features a number of random developments and subtle changes, including some animations that can already be seen by updating PCs today.
Among its major improvements include a more personal touch on the task bar. Through My People, users can now pin their most important contacts on the task bar for easier access. They can have pop-up conversations via Skype and easily drag and drop photos and other files for easy sharing.
Microsoft is also bringing back the OneDrive feature with an additional on-demand element. This means OneDrive Files On-Demand will now isolate the data one needs from the cloud and not sync full files and folders to a device. Users can choose which data they need to download.
Windows 10 will also sport Fluent Design changes, the successor of Microsoft's Metro Design. The new design language will feature subtle effects and animation, with focus on light, depth, motion, material and scale. The changes will also make it easier to resize apps and windows, with the animation making the design look like it's in motion.
With the increasing demand for virtual reality, Microsoft's answer is its new Mixed Reality feature. Mixed Reality is an umbrella term that covers virtual reality or the use of three-dimensional headsets and augmented reality or the process of superimposing computer-generated images into the real world.
The use of this feature, however, requires users to purchase a separate headset from PC makers like ASUS, Lenovo and Samsung. The new Cliff House will be the main portal for all the applications, games and even holograms in Mixed Reality.
These major developments come with a number of minor improvements on Microsoft Edge, Cortana, graphics processing unit, headphone and sound, among many others.
The Fall Creators Update, officially version 1709, build 16299, is the fourth for Windows 10 in the past two years. Experts predict a twice a year update moving forward.
