It is now what, roughly 48 hours since Microsoft released Windows 10 Fall Creators Update? Give or take 7 hours depending on where on the globe you live. Be that as it may, one thing is for certain; there are a lot of folks around the world who have either downloaded, are downloading, or are stuck trying to download this latest Windows 10 version.
The cohort of users are what marketers refer to as the ‘early adopters,’ but in case you don’t fit into this group and would rather take your time. Here are some compelling reasons why you should upgrade now, and also why you should hold on a little longer.
Given the fact that Microsoft has been working on Windows 10 Fall Creators Update since April this year. We don’t expect any half-baked product by now; the OS has been available on the Windows Insider platform for a while now. Microsoft should not have any excuses for bugs should we discover any in the next few coming weeks.
In case you didn’t catch our earlier post on ‘how to skip the line and download Windows 10 Fall Creators Update right now,’ click here.
New Features and Review
OneDrive’s Files on Demand
This is a feature Microsoft introduced with the launch of OneDrive with Windows 8 but did away with it when launching Windows 10. It is also a feature those of you running out of storage space on your device(s) are going to appreciate.
OneDrive on the Fall Creators Update does not store your files locally. Instead, it keeps them in the cloud and ‘streams’ them to your local storage upon demand only. When you open File Explorer folder for your OneDrive, you will see placeholders for the various files you store in the Microsoft’s cloud service. When you click on a particular file, it will be downloaded, and once you are done with the file, it will sync to the cloud and ‘evaporate from your local storage,’ saving you room.
People Integration
Working on your PC while communicating can be a challenging thing if it means moving from your computer to your mobile phone back and forth. To make communication easier, Microsoft has introduced My People app, which will float on the right side of your task bar, where you can pin chats with family, friends, and co-workers for quick access.
My People app also enables you to use Skype to make a call and send messages right from the task bar. The app also comes with a plethora of emoji for more expressive communication, and you can drag and drop a picture into a message thread and share it quickly with a contact.
Fluent Design
In case you haven’t heard, Microsoft is replacing its Metro design with a new design language dubbed Fluent Design. You will be interacting with apps and functions created by this new design language in the Fall Creators Update. The new Fluent Design System comes with subtle effects and animations and will start appearing across all Microsoft apps including on mobile platforms such as Windows, Android, and iOS.
Microsoft hopes to achieve depth, motion, focus on light, material, and scale with Fluent Design. The animations will make you feel the design is also moving when you interact with an app or service in Windows.
Task Manager now also tracks GPU and DPI Improvements
Gamers, this feature is for you! The new Windows 10 version comes with a Task Manager that also tracks you GPU performance – found in the performance tab – and it has also fixed that problem of blurry apps when you connect your laptop to a monitor or a second screen.
Cortana – she got some upgrades
Windows 10 digital assistant Cortana will now display your call notifications on your Android phone. However, you must have Cortana installed on the mobile device to get calls and other notifications on your computer. The new Cortana also enables you to text someone from your computer. Other new features include the ability to lock log out, shut down, and restart your computer using voice commands.
New Touch Keyboard and Improved Pen/Inking experience
Users having touch-screen Windows 10 computers, you will have an improved experience while typing using the touchscreen keyboard as it now has the wordflow function. Allowing you to swipe through the keyboard as you type instead of pressing one key at a time.
The new keyboard now features dictation function, allowing you to dictate instead of typing. You can also use a stylus to type with greater ease than before. The keyboard also gives you quick access to emoji.
Pin sites on Edge Browser
Microsoft Edge will now (again) allow you to pin your favorite site (Innov8tiv) to your taskbar for quick access. It also now features an improved full-screen mode that allows you to better use the full size of your monitor. You will also have a better experience reading your PDFs and EPUB eBooks with the ability to annotate them even by using your stylus pen. The browser also has an improved navigation and annotation support.
Windows Mixed Reality
Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality has arrived with the Fall Creators Update, but you will need to buy a separate headset from OEMs like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, or Samsung. Although most modern PCs will be able to run basic apps for Mixed Reality, but for the demanding games and experiences, you will need powerful machines.
The above features are just the tip of the iceberg of new features that came with Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update. I would have told you to upgrade your Windows to the latest version, but then again, newly released apps and software sometimes do have their fair share of bugs and breakages. Unless you are up for that, the diligent thing might be to wait it out for a couple of weeks before upgrading. While using that time to seek users feedback and experts review on the Fall Creators Update.