More leaks for Windows 10 have surfaced, ahead of an event planned to show off the Microsoft operating system on January 21st. The latest leak of build 9901 includes a more refined design for the Cortana virtual assistant than in previous reports, with the changes accompanied by a number of other tweaks and small changes to the Windows interface.
As with an earlier report, the video from WinBeta shows Cortana appearing on screen triggered by a search. While the original video showed Cortana to be a simple and wide white box on the left hand side of the screen with a text entry box at the base, the new one includes the search box within the taskbar, highlighted when active, with Cortana loading up news stories and other items stored on the user’s synchronized Windows Phone device.
Updated Camera, Calculator, Photos, and other apps are included, given a more modern appearance, along with new Getting Started and Contact Support apps. The Windows Store has also had an overhaul, showing content from the majority of Microsoft-controlled stores, including Xbox Music, making it easier to acquire content regardless of the platform.
There is a new Xbox app on the way in Windows 10, providing access to achievements, the Xbox Live store, and friend activities from the desktop. It is noted the TaskView switcher has new animations, the Settings app has a view similar to Control Panel, and the settings button in the Charms Bar has been removed.
It is likely Microsoft will make other changes before its late-January event, with Xbox chief Phil Spencer advising on Twitter that the company will expand more about gaming on Windows during the month.
