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Windows 10 preview adds Cortana's cross-device features

It also introduces the promised Bash shell and more.

Been aching to try some of the bigger improvements from Windows 10's Anniversary Update? It's time to give them a shot. Microsoft has released a Windows 10 Insider Preview (only available on the Fast ring) that includes a few of the choicer improvements. The highlight is likely to be the Cortana-based cross-device features: if you have an Android or Windows phone, Cortana will tell you when your handset's battery is running low, help you find a lost phone and share navigation directions across devices.

The rest is still pretty notable. You can access the much-vaunted Bash shell, if you're the tinkering sort. You'll also get to try the universal Skype app, dark and light modes, a prioritized Action Center and Continuum support without requiring a dock or a Miracast adapter. This preview isn't for the faint of heart, as is the case with most Fast releases, but you'll certainly have plenty to try if you're willing to live with some rough edges.