Microsoft will borrow Mac-like trackpad gestures for Windows 10

Those of us who try to bring the handy two- and three-finger trackpad gestures from a MacBook over to a PC laptop are usually treated to digitus interruptus. But during TechEd, Microsoft's Joe Belfiore said that Windows 10 will have new three finger gestures (not to be confused with salutes) for PC trackpads. Swiping up and down will bring up the "Task View" to minimize and restore active windows, while left and right gestures will switch between apps. Sound vaguely familiar? On a MacBook, three-fingered left and right swipes let you change virtual desktops and apps, while up and down gestures reveal OSX's Mission Control -- a decidedly similar feature to Task View.

The new features reinforce the fact that Microsoft wants to put some emphasis back on the humble trackpad and away from its beloved touchscreens. With Windows 8.1, it made a concerted effort to improve poorly-regarded PC trackpads by working with Intel and Synaptics. While some might decry the new gestures as being a bit more than paying homage to Apple, it will certainly make it easier for users to switch from Macs to PCs. If you're curious to try the new features, you'll have to wait -- they'll be available in a future Windows 10 Technical Preview build.