Windows of opportunity

A window of opportunity can mean many things to many people. For some, it represents a chance to instantly make a positive change or impact. For Microsoft, it represents a chance to build upon the success of one of their workhorse offerings.

At Microsoft Build 2016 in San Francisco, Microsoft announced the release of its Anniversary Update for Windows 10. Included in this update are a host of changes designed not only to improve the personal computing experience, but also to make the operating system more developer-friendly.

“With Windows 10 now running on over 270 million active devices, we’re celebrating with our fans by delivering the Windows 10 Anniversary Update,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group. “This significant update will help you interact with your Windows 10 devices as naturally as you interact with the world around you – using your pen, presence and voice.”

Slated for a summer release, the Anniversary Update includes a brand-new feature known as Windows Ink, which allows users to interact with their devices with the touch of their pen, effectively turning them into notepads, whiteboards or canvases.

Updates to Cortana will see improved interactivity functions for Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant. Users will be able to interact with Cortana without logging in, and while their device is locked. Additionally, Cortana will provide users with real-time advice and assistance when necessary throughout the day.

Windows Hello’s improvements allow for Windows 10’s enterprise-grade security measures to be applied to Microsoft Edge and other connected devices, providing users with a secure login experience.

On the development side, Microsoft introduced a series of new tools that will enable developers to deliver apps to Windows-powered devices from Android and Apple’s iOS. The Anniversary Update includes support for native Bash and direct access to the Windows file system and open source tools for command line management.

Also introduced was a new desktop app converter, which permits developers specializing in .NET and Win32 to import apps into the Universal Windows Platform and make them available for sale in the Windows Store.

Developers who specialize in .NET applications will benefit from using Xamarin, an app development platform Microsoft acquired in February. Designed to simplify the app-sharing process, Xamarin enables .NET developers to maintain native experiences for Android, iOS and Windows apps while sharing common app code across each platform.

“We are dedicated to making Windows the most productive development environment for all developers, with all-new capabilities for the Universal Windows Platform and all-new tools for bringing apps to Windows 10 from any platform,” Myerson said.