These Are the New Features Coming to Windows This Summer

Microsoft is making some enhancements to its Windows platform that are set to arrive this summer, the company announced on Wednesday.

The free Anniversary Update for Windows 10 will apply to all Windows devices across the board, from phones to tablets, PCs, the Xbox One, and its yet-to-be released HoloLens headset. Microsoft previewed a few of the new features coming with this update on stage during its annual Build event.

The company’s Windows Hello feature, which allows users to log into their computers using biometric authentication, will now be compatible with apps and websites, too. Microsoft showcased how this can be used to log in to websites in its Edge browser by holding your fingerprint over a sensor.

Microsoft is also making significant updates to its Windows Ink pen recognition software with its forthcoming Windows update. Pushing the button on the Surface Pen, for instance, now launches a submenu that shows apps that are compatible with the pen as well as recently used apps.

Windows apps are also getting smarter when it comes to recognizing the words users jot down with Microsoft’s pen. Sticky notes, for example, will be able to recognize word “tomorrow” to make it easier to quickly set a reminder. Another helpful addition: marking a dot on a map with the pen will set it as a point of interest, and drawing a line between two dots will create a route.

Microsoft is throwing in some new features for gamers, too. Cortana will be coming to the Xbox to function as your “personal gaming assistant,” meaning she’ll be able to help you dig up new games and find tips and tricks more easily. Microsoft is also allowing developers to use their standard Xbox One console to design apps and games. Other Xbox-related features coming with the Anniversary Update will be announced at the E3 conference in June.

In general, it seems like Microsoft’s Anniversary Update for Windows 10 is meant to make the experience between all Windows devices more consistent. Microsoft is giving developres more tools to make that experience possible.