Windows 10 Update - big changes are coming and here's everything you need to know
MICROSOFT is hard at work preparing the next big update for Windows 10 - and here's what can you expect from Windows 10 Creators Update.
The next big update to Windows 10 is coming soon.
Windows 10 Creators Update promises a whole load of improvements and upgrades to Microsoft's PC software, making it smarter, faster and more flexible than ever before.
First revealed back in October, Windows 10 Creators Update is set to launch early next year, but what do we know about what's included in it so far?
Windows 10 debuts 'Creators Update' for 2017
For starters, Windows 10 Creators Update unsurprisingly looks to be Microsoft's most creative release yet.
Large parts of the upgrade are specifically designed to help workers in creative industries such as design and media to implement 3D systems into their work.
This includes the all-new Paint 3D app, as one of the most iconic Windows apps gets a futuristic makeover.
Promising "a completely redesigned app", Microsoft says the new-look Paint 3D app will be its most advanced offering to date, taking advantage of the Surface Pen to let users draw directly on to the screen for the first time.
Users will now be able to freely create 3D objects through their mouse or Surface Pen accessory, before sharing them online.
There is also a library of default 3D shapes that can be drawn and edited, allowing for extensive models to be created - such as a preview of a new kitchen layout.
Along with new 3D-specific apps, Microsoft revealed it is will also bringing support for 3D object manipulation to some of its most iconic preinstalled apps.
This includes PowerPoint, where users can now add in 3D models either of their own creation or from the online library straight into their slides.
Animated 3D items can also now be included to give audiences a more in-depth look and detailed transitions, letting you zoom in on certain areas and mix 2D and 3D content.
Creators Update will also bring a number of useful updates for gamers, with broadcasting their experiences online make easier thanks to an upgrade to the Beam video sharing software.
Users will also be able to set up their own custom tournaments on Xbox and Windows devices to compete online against their friends without the fear of being dominated by professional players.
Support for VR gaming is also on the way, as Microsoft looks to drum up more excitement for its forthcoming headset.
In fact, Microsoft has already shown off a number of interesting new HoloLens demos designed for Creators Update.
One showed how a user could manipulate a 3D model to decide whether a chair they were interested in buying online would fit in their home.
Users will also be able to use HoloLens to transport themselves into a virtual 'home' where they can interact with their favourite apps and 3D memories in a "mixed reality" world.
Also shown off was a new 'HoloTour' app that is able to transport you anywhere in the world, bringing famous sights around the world into your living room.
Creators Update will also make it quicker and easier to connect with your favourite contacts, as Microsoft said that it is looking to "place people at the centre of Windows."
A new feature called Windows MyPeople will allow users to share items such as photos and documents without needing to open up a range of different apps.
The update will place pictures of your top contacts onto the toolbar, from where you can easily drag and drop a file onto their icon to quickly share it.
MyPeople also has the the option to add in annotations, notes and more, meaning sharing those special moments is better and quicker than ever.
Windows MyPeople is also looking to make it easier to stay in contact with your favourite people.
Microsoft wants to bring together a number of the most popular communication services, including Mail, Skype, Xbox live and even SMS from your smartphone, to make sure you never miss a key message.
Users can then reply through the app of their choice, cutting through the noise to make sure you're always in contact.
The company is also introducing "Shoulder Taps" - short emoticons or icons to send a quick message to the people you speak to most, meaning that you'll never miss out on anything important.
So when can we expect Windows 10 Creators Update to land?
Microsoft has not confirmed a concrete release date for its new upgrade just yet, save saying that Creators Update will arrive early in 2017.
With Windows 10 currently running on over 400 million active devices, including phones, tablets and desktop computers, making it the fastest-adopted release in history, Microsoft will be keen to capitalise on this success with the new release.
That's why Creators Update, much like its predecessor, will be available as a free upgrade to all existing Windows 10 customers.
