Windows 10 Tech Preview Build 10041 brings Cortana to UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and China and More

Microsoft has released a new Windows 10 Beta build , bringing the latest version to Build 10041.

The latest update brings a number of new features and Microsoft has retooled its release program to get new, fresher code more quickly to beta testers.

What’s new for PC

Improving the Start experience: In 9926 Microsoft introduced the XAML based Start experience, and have continued to make improvements since then. Start now has transparency, and they’ve addressed issues with the All Apps list like making the All Apps button easier to use with touch. Dragging and dropping apps from All Apps or your most used apps list to pin them to Start has been added.

Improvements to Virtual Desktops: You can now drag a window to a Virtual Desktop! Previously, you had to right-click and use a context menu. You can also drag a window to the “+” icon to both create a Virtual Desktop and move the window to it in single step. Windows 10 also now supports a filtered taskbar. This means that only the running windows in a particular Virtual Desktop will show in the taskbar. This allows you to better organize what you are working on. Also added is a filtered Alt+Tab so you only see the windows on the given Virtual Desktop.

Cortana is expanding into new markets on the desktop: Cortana now also works on the desktop in  the UK, China, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain – in addition to the U.S. For you in these new markets, look for her to help you find the things you need and proactively bring you information that you care about. Currently, Cortana will help you search for apps, settings, and files as well as search the web. Cortana learns your preferences and provides smarter recommendations over time.

New network fly-out from the taskbar: Windows 10 introduces a network fly-out from the taskbar when you click on the network icon for quick access to your network settings. You’ll be able to easily connect to wireless networks from this fly-out. Microsoft state that the UX isn’t complete just yet.

Enhancements to the Photos app: The updated Live Tile for the Photos app will now include your photos on OneDrive in the recent photo rotation where previously you would only see local photos. There are lots of performance and reliability improvements across the entire app. You will see added support for RAW format files, which should be up to date with new major cameras.

New Text Input Canvas: An updated experience for handwriting panel recognition optimized for short text entry has been introduced. Auto displayed on tap in edit control with pen, positioned near the edit control, provides recognition candidates, suggestions and next word predictions.

Experimenting with the Lock screen: Microsoft are experimenting with the Lock screen as a place to share some “did you knows” as well as tips and tricks to help people learn Windows 10. Some of you may have noticed the Lock screen lighting up with beautiful imagery and a “Welcome to the Windows Insider Program” message with the previous build, released back in January (9926). Between now and the final release, more of these will be rolled out – first in the U.S. and France. In other countries, for now you will continue to see rotations of beautiful imagery. Your Lock screen may look different than your fellow Windows Insider’s lock screen, as it rotates through a variety of different content. Of course you can still change your Lock screen background to any photo of your choice.

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