Microsoft on Wednesday announced details of a major Windows 10 update shipping to everyone for free this spring. Dubbed the Creators Update, it will bring a number of new tools for working with and creating 3D content, gaming, and sharing with the most important people in your life.
Microsoft plans to release early builds of the Creators Update to all Windows Insiders this week, Terry Myerson, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, said at an event in New York City today.
For starters, the Creators Update promises to make the creation of 3D content as simple as taking a photo or video on your phone. Plus, Microsoft over the next year will be integrating support for 3D content across its most popular apps, including Paint and PowerPoint.
On stage, Microsoft's Megan Saunders used the Windows 10-based HP Elite x3 to turn something from the real world, a sand castle, into a 3D object by simply walking around it to scan it on all sides. She then imported the virtual sandcastle right into a beach scene within Paint 3D.
Microsoft also today introduced Remix3d.com, a community where people can share, discover, and save 3D content in Pinterest-like boards. This community is integrated with Paint 3D, letting you drag and drop objects you find there into your own creation. Saunders, for instance, found a 3D palm tree from the community and added to her beach scene before sharing it on Facebook.
Earlier this year, Microsoft said every Windows 10 PC next year will support mixed reality. To that end, Meyerson tipped a "new set of affordable VR accessories," from companies like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer that are designed to work with the new features in Windows 10. These Creators Update-friendly VR headsets will start at $299.
Meanwhile, on the gaming front, Microsoft is integrating its recently acquired Beam live-streaming service into Windows. You'll be able to start broadcasting your gameplay right from Windows in a few clicks with "virtually no lag between broadcast and what viewers see," Xbox's Jenn McCoy said on stage. When you start broadcasting, Xbox Live will let all your friends know, helping you build your audience.
McCoy also tipped another cool feature coming with the Creators Update: the ability to create custom tournaments. Just pick a game, a style of tournament (single or double elimination), set a date and time, and invite your friends. This new feature is integrated with Xbox Live, and it will automatically compile your stats and determine a winner.
Finally, Microsoft outlined new sharing features on tap for the Creators Update. You'll be able to pin the people who matter most in your day-to-day life — your spouse, children, closest co-workers, and neighbors — to the task bar, then simply drag and drop content to share it with them. Microsoft is also integrating mail, Skype, and SMS messages into this experience, so when you get a text from one of these people, for instance, you'll see it right on your desktop.
Also today, Microsoft revealed the new Surface Studio AIO and a more powerful Surface Book.